Airport News

Stansted Airport has announced it will begin a trial of a new security body scanner on 25 October 2012 as part of its efforts to enhance security procedures and improve passenger service.

The state-of-the-art ProVision scanner from L-3 Security and Detection Systems uses radio frequency millimeter wave technology to detect potential threats and prohibited items once a passenger has activated the walk-through security arch. When a potential threat is detected, security officers are alerted via a generic mannequin-type computer image, which highlights the area of the body for further inspection.

The introduction of the new scanner is designed to provide an additional and less intrusive method of security screening while improving customer service for passengers by reducing the need for pat-down searches.

John Farrow, Stansted Airport’s head of terminal, said, “The trial of new body scanning technology is the next step on the way to further enhancing our security processes at Stansted.

“Providing a safe and secure airport for all our users will always be the highest priority but the introduction of this quick, effective and safe scan will also significantly improve the passenger’s experience of security searching and provide maximum protection of privacy.”

It will be mandatory for passengers who are selected for a scan to comply and any passenger refusing to be scanned will not be allowed to travel. The system will be trialed for three months.