WATCH: HIA's latest technology allows electronic items to remain in hand baggage during screening

Hamad International Airport (HIA) has installed the latest security screening technology, which is an advanced algorithm that enables security personnel to easily detect explosive materials held in complex items and structures.

The technology also allows transfer passengers the freedom to keep electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, digital cameras, etc. inside their hand luggage while going through security checkpoints, "improving levels of customer service and the need for further divestment that also has a hygiene benefit", HIA said in a statement.

The new C2 technology will be initially implemented across all transfer screening checkpoints upon the gradual reopening of transfer gates. It will significantly enhance airport security while speeding up the inspection process and boosting throughput. The application of this system will allow HIA to reach a higher and internationally recognized explosives detection system standard, the statement notes.

The ECAC C2 Detection standard can identify threat materials in congested bags, including electronic devices that had to be segregated from bags earlier. Once the bag is placed on the X-ray for screening, it can be collected without any further stops for re-screening or physical inspections. The system is also a significant counter COVID-19 measure, which reduces possible cross-contamination among passenger carry-on bags.

The implementation of the technology will elevate the airport’s hygiene standards by limiting human contact at the security checkpoints, making the process safer and faster for both staff and passengers.

Saeed Yousef al-Sulaiti, vice-president - Security at Hamad International Airport, said: “The security process at HIA is continuously improving through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies. Our goal is to make the journey safer, given the current Covid-19 pandemic. During these challenging times, our priority remains to protect passengers while preserving security. Through the implementation of C2 technology, we can accomplish a more efficient protocol that addresses all passenger concerns. Our passenger-centric strategy helps us continue our investments towards that front while developing solutions that are in the best interest of our people."

Applying this latest technology will boost HIA’s passenger processing capacity while reducing queuing times at security points. This allows HIA to provide a smooth and hassle-free journey to all passengers and maintain its recognition as an airport that consistently meets the highest standards of safety and world-class security.

HIA is looking into the prospect of implementing body scanners, to provide better security outcomes while slowly easing all body search procedures. This potential technology will prove to be helpful in the COVID-19 climate as it helps reduce contact during body searches. Qatar’s international airport is also exploring the introduction of a combination of anti-bacterial trays at checkpoints and automated UV emitting modules that will automatically disinfect the trays passengers' touch to further safeguard the health and safety of all HIA passengers.

HIA has recorded previous milestones in its industry-leading transfer security screening in 2019, witnessing shorter queuing times at security points which can accommodate up to 6,000 passengers during peak hours. The airport also introduced additional transfer halls that allow 95% of transfer passengers to queue for under five minutes.

The airport recently announced the successful completion of the second phase of its Smart Airport Programme, offering a fast, secure, and contactless airport experience by implementing biometric identification technology. The technology allows passengers to combine their flight, passport, and facial biometric information in a ‘single travel token’ at the self-check-in kiosk.

This digital identity record ultimately makes the passenger’s face their pass at key airport touchpoints, such as self-service bag-drop, pre-immigration, e-Gate, and the self-boarding gate. "HIA’s visionary approach and early investment in the biometric identification technology proved to be an extremely efficient tool in HIA’s battle against COVID-19, allowing passengers to move through key touchpoints with minimal physical contact," the statement adds.

In its effort to safeguard its staff and passengers against COVID-19, the world’s third-best airport has introduced a series of "unprecedented measures", including its investment in robotics and advanced thermal screening helmets. HIA also acquired disinfectant robots, which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV-C light, known to be effective in eliminating most infectious microorganisms.

Are you transiting with #QatarAirways through @HIAQatar soon? The world’s third-best airport is applying the latest technology – such as disinfectant robots and contactless e-gates – to keep passengers and employees safe. #RelyOnUs #HIAQatar pic.twitter.com/8FUMqFQIFp

— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) July 24, 2020

The robots are being deployed in vulnerable high passenger flow areas across the terminal to reduce the spread of pathogens. The airport has also implemented ultraviolet disinfection tunnels that will be used to disinfect all checked-in passenger luggage (departing, arriving, and transferring).

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_{Source: Gulf Times}