Airport invests £12m in luggage screening technology

MANCHESTER Airport is investing £12m in a high speed 3-D X-ray-based passenger luggage screening.

The Real Time Tomography scanners have been developed by Rapiscan Systems – the company which has pioneered the full body scanners which are in operation at Manchester.

Installation of the new RTT machines is expected to begin early next year with the project completed by autumn 2012.

RTT is designed to generate extremely high-resolution 3-D X-ray images of passenger baggage at far higher speeds and greater reliability than alternative systems.

As a result, RTT has a number of benefits from significantly improving detection of potential threats to aviation security, reducing delays in baggage handling and therefore increasing the efficiency of airport operations.

Andrew Harrison, managing director of Manchester Airport, said: “Our order for the RTT technology is the latest innovative development in our approach to aviation security both in terms of improving customer service and managing potential threats.

“We have worked closely with Rapiscan on the development of the RTT including its trial at Manchester Airport in 2009.

“With its revolutionary design and unprecedented performance, Rapiscan’s RTT will help us to maintain our reputation as one of Europe’s most passenger friendly airports.”

Rapiscan Systems’ President, Ajay Mehra, said: “We appreciate that Manchester Airports Group has selected the RTT and look forward to supporting their continued initiatives to improve airport security and efficiency.

“Our next generation CT system, the RTT, allows airports to meet current and upcoming screening standards with dramatically lower overall infrastructure costs.”

Rapiscan Systems has operations in Congleton, Cheshire and in Surrey.