Frankfurt Airport installs new CT technology at checkpoints

Credit: Fraport AG

Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services (commonly known as Fraport) have celebrated a significant milestone in their continuous upgrade of Frankfurt Airport’s security checkpoints, installing CT technology.

Nine additional security checkpoints with modern CT technology and a new lane concept are now in use in Departures B-West Terminal 1. Passengers will now be able to reach their departure gate even faster and more conveniently in the high-traffic area.

Dr. Pierre Dominique Prümm, Fraport AG’s Executive Director of Aviation and Infrastructure, commented: “I am happy to announce that we now have additional state-of-the-art security checkpoints in operation for the summer season. My special thanks go to the project team, the suppliers from the industry and our partner, the Federal Police, for implementing this complex project in record time. The use of the new technology is proving effective. On the busy travel days during the recent Easter and Whitsun school vacations, there were no significant waiting times for passengers at the security checkpoints. For the upcoming summer peak season, we are now offering our guests a smoother and faster experience at these busy checkpoints while maintaining the high security standards. In total, we have equipped 40 passenger screening checkpoints in both terminals with the new technology.”

Reduced wait times
Some 35,000 passengers on 200 flights depart every day from Concourse B of Terminal 1. The new checkpoints in B-West are equipped with CT scanners from Leidos, which ensure faster and more convenient checks. Passengers may keep their electronic devices and liquids in their hand luggage without having to present them separately. The security lanes from Italian manufacturer Gilardoni stand out with their modular design: individual components can be easily replaced or adapted, as required. Several passengers can place their carry-on luggage on the belt at the same time, which speeds up the overall process. The lanes also feature a fully automated tray return. As a result, the throughput is around 30 percent higher than at the older checkpoints without CT technology.

In the long term, Fraport aims to install the new security checkpoints across all terminals at Frankfurt Airport, including in the future Terminal 3. The new technology has already been integrated into the design plans for T3.

How does CT technology work
The computer tomography (CT) used in the new scanners is known from the field of medicine. CT technology enables reliable, fast and distinct detection of various materials and objects. For passengers, the process at security checkpoints will be made considerably easier, as liquids, smartphones and other electronic devices can remain in the carry-on baggage. The workflow for staff is also simplified, since the scanners provide a three-dimensional view of the security images. This results in fewer follow-up checks and ultimately shorter wait times.