OR Tambo Airport introduces Smart Security
Passengers will find that with the new system there will almost be no need for physical pat-downs
OR Tambo International Airport has paved the way to becoming the first airport in Africa to launch the Smart Security checkpoint system.
This new system will see the digitisation of the security checkpoint process, which in turn will speed up passenger progress through security as well as enhance security measures through use of state-of-the-art scanners.
The trial execution of the programme went live on November 8 at the international departures security point, where passengers started using the new conveyor system for checking in hand luggage and a new scanning booth for individual passengers.
Bongiwe Pityi, general manager of OR Tambo International, said the new Smart Security system complied with the highest global standards for airport security.
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“There are only a few of these high-tech passenger security screening systems in use around the world. We are pleased to lead the way in terms of enhancing both security and the passenger experience. OR Tambo International is consistently rated highly in independent customer surveys and we believe the advent of Smart Security will further improve the passenger experience,” she said.
“Passengers will find that with the new system there will almost be no need for physical pat-downs of passengers who set off security alarms because the scanning technology is much better at detecting objects that should not be carried on or around the person.”
With Smart Security, there will be a security turnstile before entering the security area, where boarding passes will be verified electronically before passengers are allowed to proceed to the scanning area.
Travellers will also enjoy the less-frequent requirements for laptops to be removed from bags and switched on.
The pilot implementation of the new checkpoint will run until the end of January 2017, when its effectiveness will be assessed and possible improvements identified.
The Smart Security programme is part of Airports Company South Africa’s 2025 vision to be the most sought-after partner in the world for the provision of sustainable airport management solutions.
A key element of this goal is to implement digitised services at airports that extend well beyond the current self-service check-in, self-bag drop and self-boarding systems.
“The Smart Security programme is going to enhance the airport’s global security ranking and enhance our ability to counter emerging threats at airports while increasing operational efficiency and improving passenger experience,” Pityi concluded.
Airports Company South Africa believes that over time it should be feasible to introduce the Smart Security system across the airports it operates.
