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New computed tomography technology for baggage screening - now everything is faster

2023-05-26T12:21:16.587Z

Highlights: Munich Airport is the first in Germany to receive the new technology – at a cost of around 45 million euros. After an intensive test phase, the Luftamt Süd of the government of Upper Bavaria has put the first five new systems into operation just in time for the start of the holidays. The CTs produce hundreds of X-ray images of each piece of luggage in a matter of seconds in a high-resolution and fully rotatable 3D view. The end of the liquid restriction to 100 milliliters is in sight.



The new locks were put into operation by Uwe Büchner, head of the Southern Aviation Authority, Bavaria's Minister of Transport Christian Bernreiter, Airport CEO Jost Lammers and District President Konrad Schober (picture left, from left). © Stephan Goerlich/FMG

Good news for the start of the Whitsun holidays: The security checks at Munich Airport will be even faster, more reliable and more convenient. This is due to a technique that was previously known mainly from hospitals:

Airport - In the future, baggage will be screened using computed tomography technology. Munich Airport is the first in Germany to receive the new technology – at a cost of around 45 million euros. After an intensive test phase, the Luftamt Süd of the government of Upper Bavaria has put the first five new systems into operation just in time for the start of the holidays.


Uwe Büchner, head of the Southern Aviation Authority, explains how the new technology works: "The CTs produce hundreds of X-ray images of each piece of luggage in a matter of seconds in a high-resolution and fully rotatable 3D view." The result is a layered image that immediately shows whether an object or a liquid is dangerous – and that automatically.


But why does this make the controls more convenient for travelers? "In the future, no one will have to unpack their laptop or electronic devices," explains Büchner. "Above all, the staff is there to tell the travelers: 'Leave everything in,'" he adds with a grin. This also means that the end of the liquid restriction to 100 milliliters is in sight. "Everything has to be converted by 2026," says Büchner, "then larger quantities of liquid can be carried in hand luggage again." This regulation already applies to the CTs that have now been put into operation, but it can happen when changing trains that bottles and tubes have to be sorted out again due to the old technology.


It's also more convenient because the technology works faster. "More passengers can put their luggage on the conveyor belt at the same time," explains the head of the aviation office. "A double lock can handle 520 passengers per hour, which corresponds to an increase of 160 percent."


The test operation has been running since 2019, and now, according to Büchner, it has even been possible to incorporate findings from the Corona pandemic. "In the future, we will need fewer baggage trays, and they will be automatically irradiated with UV light with each return and thus disinfected." Currently, each passenger needs an average of 2.3 trays, in the future only 1.2.


At the start of the holidays, in addition to the two pilot plants in Terminal 2, two more will be in operation there and three in Terminal 1.


Bavaria's Minister of Transport Christian Bernreiter announces: "By the start of the summer holidays in 2026, all other checkpoints will be equipped in ten further construction phases, so that in the end up to 48 control lanes and 60 CTs should be in use."


Munich is a pioneer, and according to Bernreiter, Nuremberg Airport is also to be converted by 2026. A first test device has been in use there since February. For Bavaria's third commercial airport, Memmingen, the minister announces the conversion in the course of the next structural expansion.


Overall, Bernreiter spoke of a "significant increase in safety". The trial operation has shown "that passengers like to use this service". Konrad Schober, President of the Government of Upper Bavaria, to which the Luftamt Süd is subordinate, spoke of a "milestone in security control technology". According to Schober, more safety and comfort offer "the best conditions for a relaxed start to the journey".


This is also a concern of airport boss Jost Lammers, who speaks of a "great story". He praises the "good cooperation of all actors". It was not a matter of course "that the state government did not abandon this important strategic project despite the need to cut costs".


The passenger and baggage checks at the airport in Erdinger Moos are carried out by the state-owned company SGM on behalf of the government of Upper Bavaria. At many other airports, including Frankfurt, the Federal Police or companies commissioned by them carry out checks. Ham

Source: merkur

All news articles on 2023-05-26

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