London Heathrow Airport has enhanced its security screening processes with the deployment of Smiths Detection's HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, a 3D X-ray scanner.
This installation is part of the airport's £1bn technology upgrade, making it the largest airport to fully transform its passenger screening capabilities.
Security screening innovation
Smiths Detection's advanced computed tomography (CT) technology has been implemented across all Heathrow passenger terminals. This rollout, described by Heathrow as a 'major milestone', aims to streamline the security process by reducing queuing times and alleviating travel stress for millions of passengers annually.
Consequently, passengers can now leave liquids up to 2 litres, as well as electronic devices such as laptops and tablets, in their carry-on luggage during security checks. This advancement results in fewer tray inspections and a more seamless airport experience.
Enhanced passenger safety
The introduction of Smiths Detection's CT scanners brings significant improvements to security screening at Heathrow. Equipped with C3 compliance, which is the most stringent standard for detecting explosives in cabin baggage, the airport can now offer an enhanced security level while facilitating better passenger flow.
The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX stands at the core of this technological transformation
The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX stands at the core of this technological transformation. Its ability to generate high-resolution volumetric images and perform automatic threat identification allows security personnel to thoroughly inspect baggage contents, thereby minimizing the need for manual checks and expediting the screening process without sacrificing safety.
Operational efficiency and milestones
Andy Evripides, Head of Market UK and Ireland at Smiths Detection, expressed pride in supporting Heathrow’s journey toward modernised screening technology. "Achieving C3 compliance is a shared milestone that demonstrates our joint focus on strong security, operational efficiency, and an improved passenger experience," he stated.
This full-scale deployment of CT technology is part of Heathrow’s ongoing commitment to innovation and infrastructure enhancement. It aims to comply with regulatory standards, boost operational efficiency, and maintain its position as a global aviation hub. The decision to partner with Smiths Detection, which saw the initial selection of their HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX in March 2021, forms a crucial aspect of this initiative.
Smiths Detection, a pioneer in threat detection and security screening technologies, announces that its industry-pioneer 3D X-ray scanner, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX, has been deployed by London Heathrow Airport as part of a £1bn technology upgrade to become the largest airport to fully revolutionize the security screening process.
Smiths Detection’s technology will create a smoother, faster experience for travellers by allowing them to leave liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage while passing through airport security.
Security screening technology
As part of the upgrade that Heathrow describes as a ‘major milestone’, Smiths Detection’s next-generation computed tomography (CT) security screening technology has been rolled out across all passenger terminals, cutting queues and reducing stress for the millions of passengers who use the airport annually.
What this means for passengers:
- Liquids up to 2 litres remain in cabin bags
- Electronic devices, including laptops and tablets, stay in bags
- Fewer tray steps and a smoother, faster journey through security
Game-changing development
Heathrow’s full rollout of advanced CT scanners from Smiths Detection marks a game-changing development for travellers while also enhancing passenger safety. With C3 compliance, the highest performance standard for explosives detection systems for cabin baggage, Heathrow now delivers greater security performance while significantly improving passenger flow and convenience.
Central to this transformation is the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanner. Combining high-resolution volumetric imaging with powerful automatic threat recognition, the technology offers security teams clear, detailed views of bag contents and helps reduce manual checks, enhancing throughput without compromising safety.
Improving operational performance
“We are proud to support Heathrow’s journey toward modernised screening with the HI SCAN 6040 CTiX, building on a relationship that has spanned many years,” said Andy Evripides, Head of Market UK and Ireland. “Achieving C3 compliance is a shared milestone that demonstrates our joint focus on strong security, operational efficiency, and an improved passenger experience.”
Heathrow’s full deployment of CT technology is part of its broader investment in innovation and infrastructure, designed to meet stringent regulatory standards, improve operational performance and reinforce its status as a global aviation leader. Heathrow originally selected Smiths Detection to supply its HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX in March 2021.
