Body Scanner goes live at Guernsey Airport

A new body scanner is now in service at Guernsey Airport after being installed by our maintenance team and the manufacturer Rohde & Schwarz UK Ltd.

The scanner is the first equipment of its type to be installed at a Channel Island airport and is part of a comprehensive £1.5 million programme to refresh all passenger and baggage security scanning equipment.

Deputy Head of Aviation Services for Guernsey Airport Steve Langlois said:

“Most travelers will be familiar with whole body scanners at UK airports and will know how quickly a scan of a person can be carried out compared to a manual search. It uses the latest technology, the scanner has step free access and is less restrictive in space than the older enclosed scanners used in some airports. If a passenger activates the archway metal detector, they will be asked to enter the scanner, rather than be subjected to a manual whole body search. If the scanner then indicates there is a problem, it will identify to security staff where on the person the issue is. This approach will enable a more targeted body search.”

The design chosen provides an ‘open-ended’ device rather than an enclosed ‘capsule’ type device encountered at some UK airports.

Passengers using a wheelchair will still be subjected to manual searching, in line with current UK government guidelines. However if those passengers are able to stand unaided, then the scanner, which has step free access, can be used. 

The image captured by the scanner is a featureless generic outline of a person being scanned. The image highlights to security staff areas of the body that require further investigation. Immediately after the scanning analysis is completed and the individual moves away from the security scanner, all data relating to the individual is permanently deleted.

Head of Aviation Services for Guernsey Airport Ash Nicholas said:

“We are very pleased to have this piece of equipment installed and operational at Guernsey Airport. This is the first phase of our programme of upgrades to the scanning equipment at the airport. This scanner will reduce the need to carry out whole body manual body searches that can slow down passenger flows at peak times. By having this equipment installed, Guernsey Airport is also meeting continually evolving aviation security regulations set by the UK Government and audited by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. We accept that queues have been excessive at peak times in order that we could maintain a compliant security screening process. Guernsey Airport is determined to improve the current situation at security, to increase passenger throughput and provide a positive customer experience.”

Guernsey Airport’s programme for upgrading the other scanners at the airport is continuing and will help to improve the overall situation as additional new equipment is installed.

Further information on the use of body scanners can be found here.

Picture: Rohde & Schwarz UK Ltd