The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), working collaboratively with American Airlines, is demonstrating a new computed tomography (CT) scanner at the Terminal 8 security checkpoint at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Research and development efforts have shown that CT
is the most consequential technology available today for airport checkpoints worldwide.
State-of-the-art CT checkpoint technology is an enhancement to today’s two-dimensional (2-D) X-ray technology platforms scanning equipment, which is used at the majority of security checkpoints worldwide. Because CT technology is three dimensional (3-D), this new checkpoint technology has the potential to provide better visibility and allow the operator to rotate the bag’s image 360 degrees to show the contents of carry-on items at every angle. CT provides the capability to virtually see beyond unwanted clutter and greatly enhances the ability to visually inspect the contents of carry-on bags for explosives and other prohibited items.
CT technology improves detection capability by more effectively detecting threats, thereby increasing overall security effectiveness. This results in more effective security screening at the security checkpoint. In the future, CT could offer the opportunity for passengers to leave liquids, gels and aerosols, as well as laptops, in their carry-on bags at all times.
Deployment of this technology, both in the United States and abroad, is a critical component of raising the global aviation security baseline.
“Use of CT technology substantially improves TSA's threat detection capability at a checkpoint.” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “This partnership will allow us to deploy new technology quickly and see an immediate improvement in security effectiveness.”
“At American, we are always looking at ways to invest in technology that raises the bar on global aviation security while improving the customer experience,” said American Airlines Chief Security Officer José Freig. “Our partnership with Analogic Corporation and the TSA will continue to transform aviation security by bringing state-of-the-art CT technology to the security checkpoint.”
TSA expects the new CT technology will begin operation at JFK in late July. CT technology is also being tested at airport security checkpoints in Phoenix and Boston.
