World’s First Smart Screening System Arrives At Hong Kong International Airport

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) is implementing the world’s first smart security screening channel at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). Rolling out in phases from this July, the new system looks to enhance the passenger experience and improve operational performance.

With the arrival of 3D and 360-degree CT-based X-ray scanning technology, passengers will no longer need to take out their electronic devices, liquids, aerosols, or gels from their carry-on luggage as was standard practice. However, note that liquids above 100ml are still prohibited from being brought into the departure halls. The streamlined smart security screening system also includes auto tray recirculation, in-built tray sterilisation, and automatic alerts for uncollected items on the tray.

In place of traditional manual searches, passengers who fail to clear the metal detector will be directed to a new full-body scanner which can accurately locate any concealed items while reducing physical contact needed.

The new passenger security screening system features a total of 50 channels and 32 full-body scanners. Phase 1 of the transformation will launch at the South and North Departures Immigration halls in Terminal 1 on July 2, 2024. With the new changes, overall operational efficiency is expected to be increased by about 20%.

“At HKIA, we attach great importance to aviation safety as well as passenger experience,” says Steven Yiu, Executive Director, Airport Operations of AAHK. “We will adopt the new smart security screening channel in the entire airport. The upgrades of the security screening system at HKIA not only further enhance the overall screening performance, but also make mandatory airport procedures more pleasant to passengers, with the existing aviation security standards and requirements remaining intact.”

Head to the HKIA website for more details.

Images: HKIA

This story first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong