Passenger X-RAY trial begins at manchester airport

Manchester Airport has today unveiled its latest security trial as passengers in Terminal 2 are offered the chance to use “imaging technology”.

This latest advance in aviation security has the potential to replace the familiar “pat down” searches including the need to remove coats, jackets, shoes and belts.

Imaging technology works by bouncing x-rays off an individual’s skin to produce an outline image of the person’s body which is then used to detect concealed, potentially dangerous objects.

This image is transmitted to a remote security officer who has no visual or verbal contact with the area where the imaging machine is located. The security officer viewing the image then electronically confirms if the passenger can proceed or whether a search is required.

“Our passengers tell us that they don’t like being patted down by security staff at airports but they understand that it’s a necessary part of keeping them safe”, said Manchester Airport’s Head of Customer Experience, Sarah Barrett.

“Imaging technology offers a potential alternative but we know that some people see it as controversial. That’s why we’re running a trial. We’re being completely open about how imaging technology works so that passengers can tell us whether it is an acceptable alternative”.

“The process is entirely anonymous. We can assure the public that contrary to popular misconception, imaging technology does not allow security staff to see passengers naked. The image produced is a black and white, ghost-like outline of an individual’s body without any distinguishing features such as hair or facial features, making it impossible to recognise people but simple to detect concealed threats.”

Images are transmitted to a standalone computer where they cannot be stored or captured after the passenger volunteer has passed through the imaging technology.

Before reaching the security search area, trained airport security officers will give passengers all the information about imaging technology before offering them a chance to participate in the trial after going through the traditional metal detector and “pat down” search process.

The voluntary trial has been designed with multiple privacy safeguards the equipment is approved by the National Radiological Protection Board, which is part of the Health Protection Agency and is responsible for licensing all x-ray equipment in the UK.

The imaging technology trial operates in Terminal 2 only and will run for at least twelve months or until enough data is gathered to assess all aspects of the equipment.