With the Standard 3 deadline quickly approaching across Europe, airports are grappling with growing passenger traffic combined with increased security threats.
The question is, will Standard 3 requirements—which call for more thorough baggage screening—slow down screening times and increase congestion throughout airports? Not with the right Standard 3-approved explosives detection system (EDS). According to Sally Nordeen, our senior director of global EDS, “You watch our machine screen a bag at a half a meter per second and it’s amazing that it analyzes data to render a decision in three seconds or less.”
Upgrading to European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) Standard 3-approved EDS can help airports address increased passenger loads and provide the quick scanning speed needed to achieve throughput requirements, whatever the passenger volumes. This is especially valuable for airports with limited space.
In fact, Smiths Detection has Standard 3-approved EDS that can scan bags at rates up to 0.5 meters per second, facilitating the processing of up to 1,800 bags per hour. That means no delays, no degradation in system performance, and the kind of throughput needed to keep airport operations running smoothly.
Still, as airports seek new EDS equipment suppliers, they’ll need to consider additional criteria beyond screening speed to ensure they find the best EDS solution to help them meet the unique needs of their airport. This includes the following:
- Overall cost of ownership with equipment built to last fifteen years or more
- System flexibility allowing for upgrades and support to help scanning equipment last
- Proven track record of service quality and seasoned technicians and engineers
For additional insights to help you evaluate your next Standard 3 EDS supplier, check out this recent article in Airport Business and then watch this short video clip on 
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