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This October, we’re celebrating Airport Safety Week alongside the Australian Airports Association, and while safety might not...
Passengers travelling through Brisbane Airport can expect a much faster and safer security screening experience, thanks to the installation of state-of-the-art equipment throughout the Domestic and International Terminal.
As part of ongoing Future BNE initiatives, this $500 million overhaul aims to streamline the security procedure, eliminating the need for passengers to unload their cabin baggage, while also enhancing threat detection capabilities.
In alignment with the Australian Federal Government's 2017 mandate to enhance aviation security, Australian airports were tasked with implementing new ‘standard three’ security equipment to meet global standards already active in the United States and Europe. To fulfil this directive, Brisbane Airport has partnered with Rapiscan Systems, a global leader in security solutions, to introduce new cabin baggage screening equipment, advanced body scanners, and a comprehensive inline checked baggage system.
Extensive testing and training have been performed in a specialised testing laboratory to ensure the smooth operation of the equipment. Additionally, security screening personnel have been allowed to trial the new equipment in a live environment, ensuring their proficiency and readiness for implementation.
We spoke to Chris Morse, Senior Project Manager at Rapiscan, about what passengers can look forward to with the new equipment and the logistics involved in undertaking the installation without disrupting services.
“We’re moving away from two-dimensional imaging and applying three-dimensional imaging which allows operators to find more threats and provide a greater security outcome. The scanner technology brings with it 3D X-ray images similar to a medical CAT scan, allowing security officers to rotate and slice through X-ray images and ultimately reduce the need for manual bag search,” Chris said.
This includes the installation of 920 CT X-ray cabin baggage screening for passenger lanes, new body scanners and the RTT 110 checked bag screening system deployed underneath Brisbane Airport for cabin baggage.
The Domestic Terminal alone will see 17 new lanes for cabin baggage with another 4 new checked baggage lanes that will lead to the new central baggage system.
“The system offers the latest modern technology, in line with the biggest airports in the world and is much more automated, providing faster and safer travel.
“Currently, we can accommodate about 200 people an hour through each passenger lane. With the new system installed we’ll be able to process around 325 passengers an hour,” Chris said.
Nadine Delile, Security Compliance Manager at Brisbane Airport has been overseeing the project and explains the benefits to the passenger.
“Excitingly this new equipment means passengers will be able to leave a lot more items in their bags, like their laptops as the scanners can see straight through.
“Similarly, all eligible passengers will be screened using the new body scanners that can detect metallic and non-metallic items concealed on a person’s body, and improve the detection of threat items, whilst lowering the probability of false alarms,” Nadine said.
The scanners use non-ionizing millimetre wave technology, similar to the reverse parking sensors on a car, and are completely safe for all passengers including those with pacemakers.
“The body scanners ensure quicker processing by minimising the need for rescreening, thus reducing wait times and congestion,” Nadine said.
Another notable feature of the 920 CT cabin baggage system is its automatic tray return system, designed to further expedite transit.
Chris elaborates on how this enhancement will streamline the process – "instead of items being pushed along rollers, everything is placed in a tray and transported automatically. With this upgrade, passengers simply place their belongings in the tray and retrieve them at the end of the screening process," Chris explained.
Installation commences in the second half of 2024, and the process is reasonably straightforward Chris shares – "all equipment has undergone rigorous testing and is highly modular, facilitating plug-and-play installation and accommodating various lane configurations."
"Metal and electronic components from older machines are being recycled or repurposed wherever feasible," he added.
Security personnel are currently undergoing comprehensive training to operate the new systems, starting with online courses, followed by train-the-trainer sessions and classroom activities, finishing with hands-on training.
As part of the equipment installation, Brisbane Airport is constructing a direct entrance from the Skywalk to the Domestic Terminal for passengers with only carry-on.
Construction works are staged to ensure uninterrupted services and minimal disruptions to passenger transit. This includes the establishment of temporary screening areas and adjustments to the passenger journey.
"While some disruptions may occur during construction, we sincerely appreciate our passengers' patience as we work towards creating their future airport.
“This is the largest undertaking that the airport has had since… ever! We’re on a journey and our passengers are on that journey with us as we move towards building the airport of the future. The end goal of all of this is to create a much safer and smoother passenger experience,” Nadine said.
The introduction of this new security equipment is just one part of Brisbane Airport's extensive Future BNE transformation, with over $5 billion invested over the next decade to support growth and enhance airport facilities.
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