For airports in Europe upgrading hold baggage screening infrastructure to Standard 3 capabilities, the facts are clear: by September 2018 in the UK and 2020 in continental Europe, all airports must screen checked baggage with an advanced explosives detection systems (EDS).
As we enter the end of 2016, 2020 still feels far away. But don’t let the calendar fool you.
The Standard 3 EDS and accompanying baggage handling systems (BHS) components represent a major infrastructure project that the UK Department for Transport (DfT) estimates will take up to four years to implement. Depending on your airport size, a phased approach may be needed to ensure the major construction doesn’t impact peak travel periods.
If you’re a small airport, you could look at using your off-peak travel season to take the entire BHS system offline for the Standard 3 upgrade. Larger airports should look at how they phase the implementation to ensure continued normal operations and effective contingency planning.
Where should you start? Meet with your team to consider a plan for your system, not just for today but one that will take you through the next twenty years. Evaluate your roadmap specifically around how the Standard 3 requirements impact your operations.
As I meet with our European airport partners, I’m spending time taking them through the process about what to expect with the transition. The ones that have completed implementation are enjoying the operational benefits new Standard 3 equipment delivers. As a result of starting early, airports can work with the mandate to ensure the best possible outcome tailored to their operations.
Don’t wait – get started today.
