The Telegraph reported, additionally, passengers will be able to carry more than 100 milliliters of fluid through the safety. “This cutting kit will not only secure the airport with the latest technology but also means that our future passengers can focus on continuing their journey and preparing less time for safety screening.” Heathrow’s Chief Operations Officer Chris Garton said in a statement, “Heathrow has a proud history of investing in making every trip better and that’s why we’re delighted to have our new City equipment ready.
“This innovative new equipment will ensure that Heathrow passengers continue to have a safe and smooth travel experience, as we see the introduction of this new screening technology at airports across the country,” said UK Aviation Minister Barnes Vere. Tomography (CT) used at airports is the same technology that hospitals employ to diagnose patients’ illnesses or injuries, using which imaging of a person (or bag) creates a narrow X-ray beam that creates cross-sectional images, according to the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. However, new advances in 3D scanning technology allow for more detailed and powerful images, using algorithms capable of detecting explosives and other threats by observing and rotating objects. The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration is also working to employ 3D scanning, and there are city technology checkpoints at several airports across the country.
The technology will not be immediately available at all terminals and passengers can expect to remove laptops and liquids from their bags as the scanner is turned on slowly. Airport representatives note that 3D city scanning does not reduce the need for additional screening conducted by security officials. The effort has been going on since 2013, and Heathrow – the UK's first airport employer of 3D City Scanning – expects the technology to be rolled out across the terminal by 2022.
