airport security Archives - Security Buyer Magazine

Increasing aviation security in Viracopos

Industry Sectors, Latest News, Technology / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Equipment donated by the United States aims to increase aviation security and mitigate risk in one of Brazil’s busiest airports, Viracopos. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in partnership with the Viracopos International Airport (VCP – Brazil), launched today the operation of new security equipment at the international checkpoint during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Viracopos. The international and transfer checkpoints at Viracopos now operate with state-of-the-art equipment, raising the screening standards and security level of the airport. The US$ 2 million donation was funded by the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau and facilitated by the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) from the Department of Justice, under the oversight and concurrence of Brazil’s Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) and the Secretariat of Civil Aviation (SAC). The equipment includes the latest technology of dual view x-rays, advanced imaging technology (AIT-body scanner), and explosive trace detection (ETD) as well as classroom and on-the-job training for screeners. The project aims to increase aviation security, mitigate risk, and reinforce the strong partnership between the United States and Brazil. The brand-new equipment is the same that TSA uses in 440 airports in the United States. It will make screening more effective while ensuring a better travel experience for passengers. Viracopos is the first airport in South America to receive a donation of this magnitude for screening equipment. The newly inaugurated checkpoint layout provides another layer of security for the global aviation industry and ensures the safe and secure transportation of people and commerce. Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: LinkedIn: Security Buyer Twitter (X): @SecurityBuyer Facebook: @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Flight risk: Access control to mitigate airport power outages

Industry Sectors, Product News, Technology, UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Amidst recent news reports of power outages at a UK airport, Abloy UK is highlighting the need for effective access control solutions that maintain security even when the power supply is disrupted. Steve Wintle, Head of Critical Infrastructure at Abloy UK, explains: “We cannot stress enough the importance of building in security and safety resilience within national infrastructure, particularly when it comes to areas such as access control. “Even in cases where emergency back-up energy supplies are available via generators, the resultant power surges can cause not only chaos in the short term, but also long-term damage too. “When power is restored, singular or multiple surges can cause damage to the physical infrastructure, which can then require extensive repair by engineers to become operational again. “However, there are solutions that remain operational even during these types of incidents. By combining the PROTEC2 CLIQ system and electric locks from Abloy UK, airport security and facilities managers can build resilience into transport hub operations – even in the event of a power cut.” Door magnets, which require a continual power supply, are often used in airport environments as part of the access control solution due to their simplicity of installation, but a power surge can render them useless and leave areas unsecure. There are also fire risks associated with installing a magnet on a door which is used as a fire escape, as they require special arrangements to guarantee they are always fail-safe in the event of an emergency. For example, some door magnets require an alarm or ‘request to exit’ mechanism to allow someone to exit, so there could be life-threatening delays for people needing swift egress in an emergency. There are also a number of building regulation standards in place that relate to access control. It’s essential that these are adhered to, in order to ensure safety and security. These include BS179 Emergency Escape (for when the building occupants are aware of the building environment), BS1125 Panic Escape (for environments used by the general public) and the new standard BS13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems (for use on escape routes). These standards state that even if a door is electronically controlled for access there must be a compliant mechanical means of escape in an emergency. Electric locks therefore maintain security and safety without power, and without having to compromise security. If the PROTEC2 CLIQ solution is also installed as an override then facilities managers and airport security can maintain access control, as it requires no power and no infrastructure. PROTEC2 CLIQ enables authorised timed access for staff and contractors, and the ability to enable and revoke key authorisation remotely and delete lost keys. This offers substantial time saved and operational efficiencies in key collection between airside and landside. The solution also provides full audit trail reports and can be integrated with permit to work systems, offering 100% control of all keys, 100% of the time. Steve adds: “Airports are a vital part of our critical infrastructure, and service resilience is crucial. The recent power outages at a UK airport and the subsequent disruption have highlighted the need for better standards in security and access control provisions. “With solutions available to mitigate risks and ensure continuation of services, now is the time to invest in effective reliable systems that are both scalable and flexible too.” For further information on products and services available from Abloy, visit https://bit.ly/3RSQ6AW Read the full article for free in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Smiths Detection Selected by Zurich Airport

Industry Sectors, Latest News, Technology / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Smiths Detection announced that it is partnering with Flughafen Zürich AG (Zurich Airport) to trial the use of the industry-leading HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S carry-on baggage X-ray scanners and the iLane A20 ATRS, the smart automatic tray return system, at two security lanes in the airport. The 3D images produced by Smiths Detection’s HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX will allow some of Zurich’s 2.7 million* monthly passengers to leave their liquids and electronics in their carry-on luggage as they pass through security, resulting in a more convenient and streamlined security screening experience. In addition to providing more efficient and effective security screening, the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX is the most energy efficient scanner of its type available in the market, featuring low noise levels, zero vibration, and a 30% higher belt speed than other CT X-ray scanners – helping to promote a calmer checkpoint. The iLane ensures a consistent flow of trays and provides a seamless checkpoint journey by reducing queues and improving operational efficiency at the passenger checkpoints. Alongside passengers, employees at security checkpoints will also benefit from the installation of the CT scanners via the addition of “remote screening” capabilities. This means that security staff no longer have to check the images of the baggage contents directly next to the devices, but can work from a separate room, facilitating a quieter and more concentrated work environment. Zurich Airport will test the CT equipment in various configurations over a six month period in order to optimise the layout of the new security lanes, with the intention of equipping all 26 lanes with this cutting-edge technology in the future. Although passengers will be able to leave liquids in their bags, the maximum container size of 100ml and total carry-on size of one litre rules will remain in place until further notice. Matthew Clark, VP Commercial, Smiths Detection, commented: “We are delighted that Zurich Airport has selected Smiths Detection to trial the use of this leading technology that will enhance security outcomes and improve efficiency, providing a smoother experience for passengers and staff alike.” Read the full article for free in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Helsinki Airport improves regulatory compliance with digital cabinet locks

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Technology / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

As a busy transport hub, Helsinki Airport connects Finland to cities all over Europe, Asia and beyond. Managing access to a busy airport is always a challenge and this challenge extends to the control of access to cupboards, drawers and cabinets where travel documents are stored — in the spotlight after new EU guidance on logging access to these documents. Previously, security for cabinets in Helsinki’s check-in area required airport managers to issue and track around 100 mechanical keys per airline. It took time and was a distraction from other important tasks. Airport operator Finavia sought a more convenient way to manage and monitor cabinet access, replacing mechanical locking with a streamlined electronic solution. Cabinets are often small, hard to wire and easily damaged. Thus, Finavia sought a neat solution which did not require them to fit a bulky locking device or a separate RFID reader and because the airport already had a Lenel access control solution in place, seamless integration — without extra software or database installation — was another essential requirement. “Safety, functionality, durability, security of supply and usability were the reasons we chose the ASSA ABLOY solution,” explains Kari Mäkinen, Senior Access Control Specialist at Helsinki Airport. Helsinki’s airline check-in desks are now equipped with Aperio® KL100 electronic cabinet locks. The KL100 is small and has a minimal footprint. Wireless, battery powered and with an inbuilt RFID reader, it is easy to fix to almost any cabinet, locker or drawer without cabling or causing damage. Different sizes and cam-lengths make the lock adaptable to securing sensitive spaces in almost any workplace. “Before KL100 cabinets were managed with mechanical keys, with no specific control over who has the key and who had opened the cabinet,” adds Kari Mäkinen. Now, the automated log shows exactly which airline opened any cabinet, and when. It’s efficient and hassle-free. For high convenience, a KL100 has an integrated reader which may be unlocked with mobile keys (via NFC or BLE), as well as smartcards or fobs using all major RFID technologies. The Aperio platform is built from the ground-up for compatibility, the KL100 Wireless Cabinet Lock integrates seamlessly with the airport’s Lenel system. Finavia were able to choose a best-in-class solution without having to compromise. Operations at the airport are more streamlined. No one needs to handle or track thousands of mechanical keys, saving time and costs spent on logistics. Every employee’s individual access may be revoked at any time from the Lenel control panel and it’s simple to audit all cabinet access if an incident occurs. After 18 months of operation, the solution for check-in desks has been a success. Airport managers have ordered additional Aperio KL100 devices for airport departure gates. Multiple connectable ASSA ABLOY solutions are already deployed alongside the digital cabinet locks, including wireless Aperio door handles; Protec2 CLIQ® electromechanical locking devices; and keyless, mobile-operated ABLOY padlocks to secure fencing and cargo. “The availability of all these solutions from a single manufacturer — easily used with their existing access control solution — has helped Finavia to tailor a unified, integrated system at Helsinki Airport,” says Lars Angelin, Business Development Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Narita International Airport Strengthens Communication

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Product News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Japan’s Narita International airport has extended the reach and capacity of its mission-critical TETRA communications network with Motorola Solutions’ (NYSE: MSI) innovative broadband push-to-talk communication service, WAVE PTX. One of Japan’s busiest airports for travellers and cargo handling, Narita International depends on Motorola Solutions’ TETRA digital radio system and ST7000 devices every day to maintain efficiency and security across its extensive operations. The highly resilient system has also enabled Narita staff with essential communications to coordinate and protect airport services during Typhoon Number 15 as well as snowstorms, earthquakes and other major events. WAVE PTX supports instant and interoperable communication across different land mobile radio, LTE and 5G networks and devices including smartphones, radios and computers. Enabling flexible communications across networks and devices boosts safety and productivity across Narita’s operations by connecting the airport with external partners including emergency services, security contractors and suppliers. “Narita International Airport’s TETRA communication system provides trusted performance for more than 5,000 users and supports the coordinated transport of around 85,000 passengers every day,” said Joe Tse, sales director for Motorola Solutions Northern Asia. “WAVE PTX is enhancing collaboration between the airport and Japan’s public safety agencies, strengthening safety, productivity and resilience when it matters most.” The deployment of WAVE PTX at Narita International airport follows the expansion of its mission-critical TETRA communications system across five major airports in Japan, enhancing coordination and service delivery between critical functions including logistics, security operations and baggage handling. Motorola Solutions has deployed TETRA communications systems in Japan for the past 12 years. Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Leidos brings security technology to Frankfurt airport

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Product News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Leidos announced the deployment of its ClearScan computed tomography (CT) scanner at Germany’s Frankfurt Airport (FRA). The CT scanner is a key component of the new security lane under transition in Terminal 1, Concourse A. The work is being performed under the leadership of Fraport, the company now responsible for the organization, management, and performance of security checkpoints at FRA. “We are thrilled to support Fraport and bring the latest technologies to Germany’s largest aviation gateway,” said Brad Buswell, Senior Vice President and Operations Manager at Leidos. “The company’s Security Enterprise Solutions operation works diligently with our partners and customers to deliver real solutions that enable safe and efficient passenger movement. We’re excited to see these innovations expand and support Germany’s work safeguarding passengers.” Long queues and staff shortages still impact many airports across the globe as passenger travel continues to reach pre-COVID levels. There is also a growing consensus within the global aviation community on the need to replace conventional X-ray machines with CT scanners. Airports in London, Atlanta, Amsterdam, and Chicago were the first to adopt these systems, with positive results for several years. Leidos is focused on helping airports around the world transform their security operations by leveraging its CT technology. The ClearScan cabin baggage scanner includes advanced explosives detection algorithms that eliminates the need for passengers to divest approved electronics and liquids from baggage. This results in less time per passenger at the checkpoint. To read the full exclusive and other news stories and exclusives, see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Passenger checkpoints at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2

Industry Sectors, News Desk, Product News / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Renovation work gets under way at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2: The central security checkpoint at Munich Airport’s Terminal 2 is being modernised and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, with completion scheduled for fall 2024. As a result, passengers of Lufthansa and its partner airlines will benefit from faster, more effective procedures and much greater convenience. Instead of the familiar traditional checkpoints, lanes with innovative technology will be used in the future. First of all, in the week commencing Monday, December 12, 2022, Lufthansa’s Service Center on Departures level 04 will be sealed off and dismantled to create the required space. A newly designed Service Center will be opened in the southern part of the check-in level. During the renovation phase of the screening lanes starting in January, passengers will be rerouted, and the number of screening lanes will be reduced at times. Once the work is complete, passengers will benefit from a total of 15 new security screening lanes that meet the highest standards in terms of convenience and ergonomics. The district government of Upper Bavaria, the body responsible for passenger checkpoints at Munich Airport, is installing special CT scanners here. As well as checking all items of carry-on baggage for solid and liquid explosives, the CT scanners provide the screening staff with a three-dimensional view of each carry-on baggage item on a screen. These new CT scanners mean that electronic devices and liquids will no longer have to be removed from passengers’ baggage. All personal items will be placed in large trays at the four preparation points of each lane and returned on a long output conveyor with lots of individual space. Passengers can take as much time as they need, and can even overtake slower passengers. As the modern screening lanes are so efficient, the passenger flow per screening lane can be increased significantly compared with the conventional screening lanes. From now on, the central passenger checkpoint in Terminal 2 is being converted to the new technology in six construction phases. Upgrading of the first three screening lanes in Terminal 1 will start in the first quarter of 2023. In periods with high traffic volume, e.g. at Pentecost or during the Oktoberfest, the renovation work will be temporarily suspended in order to ensure availability of sufficient screening lanes and smooth handling of screening during these busy periods with particularly large numbers of passengers. Munich Airport will then be the first airport in Germany to be almost entirely equipped with the new security technology and convenient screening lanes. To read other news stories and exclusives, see our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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How innovation is born from tragedy

Exclusives, Industry Sectors, Product News / Ghyslaine Cordrey

For years, airport security has been more reactive than proactive. The last 20 years has brought a different, no-nonsense attitude to protecting the safety of travelers It’s no secret to anyone that airports all around the world are hotbeds for major breaches in security. Especially so in the last 20 years, where security measures and protocols have been fighting an uphill battle to keep terrorist cells and their operatives under control. In the wake of the thankfully few attacks that have managed to seep through the cracks brought with it innovation in security screening and its associated technologies. Today, we will look at some of the most prevalent aviation disasters in the last two decades and the resolutions they brought to the industry. A good place to start is on the eve of the worst aviation and terrorist attack of all time: the September 11 attacks. Everyone knows the events that took place on that day but what has garnered less attention is the security landscape for airports at the time. It is estimated that only about 5% of travellers’ luggage was checked in early 2001, with no regulations put in place for who – or what – was coming through the doors of the airport. This statistic may look appalling to us now but it’s important to note the attitudes towards airline terrorism at this time: no amount of violence even remotely close to the scale of the September 11 attacks had ever been conducted, which is why and how Al-Qaeda was able to exploit this weakness to conduct a plot of this magnitude. Swift and decisive action was taken by the US – and other institutions around the globe – to ensure this catastrophe could never happen again. Henceforth, the percentage of bags checked by airport security increased from 5% to 100% and an additional “Sept. 11” fee was introduced to ticket prices that helped contribute to building security infrastructure. To aid in this, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was founded and received $1.2bn in funding in its first year, which peaked to just under $8bn in 2020. All of this served to prevent violent compounds and persons from boarding aircraft – however, a blind spot in this new legislation meant that terrorists could still enter the airport relatively unimpeded. No other case study exemplifies this more than the shooting at Los Angeles International airport in 2013. The shooter was able to get a lift to the airport from a housemate, carrying with him bags containing a semi-automatic combat rifle and several hundred rounds of ammunition, before setting foot inside the airport and opening fire at a TSA officer at a security checkpoint, eventually killing him and injuring a few others. He was allowed to continue his rampage through the airport for a while after before he was apprehended by off-site authorities. It was later revealed that the assailant was specifically targeting TSA officers which meant that a lot of civilian casualties were avoided. The backlash in response to this shooting was immediate: the security practices and staff were scrutinised by the media and questions were asked as to how such a thing was allowed to occur in the first place. Speaking in 2013, the then-president of the American Federation of Government Employees, J. David Cox Sr, said this in response to what more could be done to prevent shootings like these: “our officers [need] to be able to make arrests. That would be a big improvement if they had arrest power”. To read the full article, check out our June issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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Multilayered approach to airport perimeter

Exclusives, Industry Sectors, Product News / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Technical Editor for Security Buyer, Stefaan Pinck, VP Global Business Development, Sales Traffic & Security at Teledyne FLIR explores perimeter protection in airports In more ways than one, airports are the beating heart of the globe’s transportation industry. In 2021, for example—even amid a global pandemic—airports across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa served hundreds of millions of travelers. For example, more than 37 million passengers passed through Istanbul Airport alone. Aside from commercial travel, however, airports are also key points of intra- and international trade. Basically, if an import or export is “light, expensive, fragile, or perishable,” it flies, according to Forbes. In 2021, for example—even amid the international trade crisis directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic—the majority of the United Kingdom’s £29.9 billion of exports and £47.8 billion in imports passed through London’s Heathrow Airport. When it comes to perimeter security, because airports experience high volumes of commercial traffic and operate as key trade points trade, they also represent one of the world’s most vulnerable critical infrastructure facilities. For this reason, airports should deploy a multilayered perimeter protection strategy, powered by field-proven technologies, in order to prepare for every possible kind of threat. The Importance of airport perimeter security In the European Union, critical infrastructure is defined as “an asset, system or part thereof located on EU territory, which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions, health, safety, security, economic or wellbeing of people, and the disruption or destruction of, which would have a significant impact on at least two Member States, as result of the failure to maintain those functions,” according to European Parliament Research Service. Because airports, specifically, are categorised as critical infrastructure, in the United States, they are “mandated to adequately prepare for natural disasters, terrorism, civil disobedience, employee violence, systems failures, pandemics, cyber-attacks, and other forms of human interference, due to their location, geography, and criticality,” according to the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency. Though this mandate doesn’t extend to airports around the world, this approach to airport perimeter security is still vital. And yet, because of the complexity, magnitude, and cost of many PIDS, effective disaster preparedness continues to elude many international airports. Today’s leading PIDS, however, are designed to secure airport perimeters against every conceivable threat, protecting travelers and trade assets alike, all while guaranteeing return on investment for years to come. Purpose-built to preempt and disrupt potential perimeter intrusions, these end-to-end systems deploy and layer perimeter surveillance devices such as thermal and visible cameras, radar, and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled video analytics to create system redundancy and guarantee superior situational awareness. To read the full article, check out our June issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922

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Border control in British airports

Industry Sectors, Product News, UK Exclusives / Editor

What are the security measures put in place to keep British airports secure? Airports are vulnerable to various security threats like theft, terrorism, smuggling and much more- it is vital that they are kept as secure as possible. Over the years, airports have improved their approaches to ensuring security to keep their business, passengers and staff safe. After many incidents at airports, internationally and in the UK, airports have learnt from these and adapted their security solutions. Technology has drastically improved, allowing opportunity for new effective security methods to protect airports. Some of these methods include access control, video surveillance, biometrics and x-ray scanning. These are all important processes that can detect and prevent threats to border security. Today, we take a look at some of these security measures that key British airports, like Heathrow and Gatwick, use to maintain a secure environment. Biometrics Biometrics in security solutions is increasing in popularity due to its accuracy and reliability. At airports it is used to scan fingerprints and map facial features to identify people. Heathrow Airport, one of the biggest airports in the UK, uses biometric technology to process passengers on flights to UK and Ireland destinations. It works by using a camera to capture an image of the passengers face when they present their identification or boarding card. A biometric template is then created which is unique to each person. Another image is then taken, which enables the biometric template to be compared to verify the passengers’ identity. This method was put in place to strengthen UK border security, those who decline the use of their data will not be allowed to board. Of course it is expected that many people will be concerned about the privacy of their data. Heathrow confirmed that facial images and biometric templates are only kept for a necessary period of time and are then terminated in a secure way. Personal information will only be used for the purpose of border security and it will only be passed to law enforcement agencies if legally required. Gatwick Airport also uses biometric technology to increase their level of security. Gatwick uses this system to provide evidence that passengers boarding a domestic or CTA flight are the same individuals who entered the international departure lounge at the airport. Like Heathrow’s policy, this method of biometric technology is not optional for passengers-if passengers refuse to participate they will not be able to attend their flight. Scanning To prevent security breaches, airports will restrict what items passengers are allowed. This can include obvious items like firearms, narcotics and other harmful or illegal substances and objects. These items are commonly detected by the use of scanners, these can be used to scan luggage or a person to see if they are hiding any restricted items. This technology is key in ensuring airport security, it can specifically prevent terrorist attacks and smuggling. In regards to body scanners, they use the latest technology which means that they can scan passengers in a quick and unobtrusive way. Some airports occasionally search passengers by hand, which is an effective method- but the use of modern scanners is far more reliable and accurate. The officer will call the passenger into the machine and give them instructions. Scanners use millimetre wave technology to produce an outline image of the passenger’s body, revealing any concealed objects. Millimetre wave technology uses a low-power form of electromagnetic technology and poses no known health risks. To read more exclusive features and latest news please see our Q4 issue here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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