Guernsey Airport is set to install a full-body scanner as part of its plan to accelerate security checks for passengers.
Once the scanners are installed by the end of September, Guernsey Airport will stop carrying out manual full-body searches, which some passengers perceive as needlessly invasive.
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Guernsey Airport Aviation Services head Ash Nicholas told Guernsey Press: “Once all the new scanning equipment is in place we are confident travellers will see a significant improvement.
“In the meantime, I can only apologise to anyone who has been affected, and we are grateful for everyone’s patience while all the changes happen.”
Passengers will have to go through the body scanner if they trigger an alarm when passing through the security arch.
The full-body scanner will be used to scan only a particular area of the body that requires closer examination. The system uses low-power millimetre waves to identify potentially dangerous materials concealed inside the body or clothes.
According to Nicholas, the system takes just 32ms to complete a scan and provide 3D information. The system is designed to not pose any threat to the passenger’s health or privacy.
The design of the system is said to be compatible with wheelchair users.
In addition to the full-body scanner, Guernsey Airport is planning to install automatic tray return systems and a cabin baggage screening system by the end of the year.
The entire project will entail an investment of £1.5m.
In order to manage the operations of the new body scanner, security operator G4S has hired a number of employees and deployed them in the security search areas.
