Smiths Detection to enhance security experience for 11 million passengers at Edinburgh Airport

The game-changing 3D X-ray scanner allows passengers to leave liquids and laptops in cabin baggage

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces that it has been awarded the contract to supply eight leading-edge passenger check-in baggage scanners at Edinburgh Airport, Scotland’s busiest airport, with over 11.3 million passengers in 2022*.

Picture by Lesley Martin.

The scanners, which produce 3D X-ray images, will eliminate the requirement to remove electronic devices, liquids, and gels from hand luggage, and will allow passengers to take up to 2 litres of liquid to be carried onto a plane.

Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX is a computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanner which delivers quicker baggage assessment and low false-alarm rates of automatically identified threats. Featuring Smiths Detection’s industry leading digital technology, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX not only produces the highest quality images and the fastest delivery to operators, it also provides a very detailed analysis of a bag’s content, allowing security operators to easily spot items that shouldn’t be there.

Smiths Detection’s Head of Market, Andy Evripides, said: “We are delighted to be supplying Edinburgh Airport with our leading CT checkpoint X-ray scanner. The system provides higher levels of safety and security, leading to a significantly improved passenger experience by allowing them to pass through security with less hassle and the need to unpack and repack their hand luggage. The system also uses the least energy of its type on the market, helping airports reach their sustainability goals.”

Adam Wilson, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Airport, said: “Providing passengers with a smooth and safe experience through security is incredibly important to us and the implementation of the new Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will deliver that as we adopt this new technology. Safety is always paramount and by moving forward with these innovative and next generation scanners, we will maintain those high security standards while helping passengers move through the airport quicker.”

Major airports have been given a deadline of mid-2024 by the UK government to install CT scanners and Edinburgh Airport will follow a phased implementation of new x-ray technology during 2024, installing the Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX units to maintain high safety standards and improve passenger experience. Passengers should continue to prepare for security as normal – no more than 1 litre worth of liquids and any liquids being carried must be under 100ml, with all liquids fitting into one clear bag. Laptops, tablets and large electricals must also be removed from bags and placed into security trays.

^{*According to Edinburgh Airport: https://corporate.edinburghairport.com/edinburgh-airport-records-strong-recovery-in-2022}