Smiths Detection checkpoint lanes
The functional lane designs comprise automated tray return and diversion. Credit: Smiths Detection Inc.

Israel Airport Authority (IAA) has awarded a contract to Smiths Detection and its local distributor Eastronics to supply 32 advanced checkpoint lanes for Ben Gurion Airport and the new Ramon International Airport.

Smiths Detection noted that the functional lane designs feature automated tray return and diversion. The lane designs are expected to improve operational efficiency.

The checkpoint lanes will be integrated with IAA’s security CONOPS.

Smiths Detection EMEA vice-president Tony Tielen said: “Automation plays a key role in streamlining screening by literally keeping things moving and the result is increased throughput, lower per capita costs, and a passenger-friendly process.

“With the help of Eastronics, we were delighted to be able to meet IAA’s stringent requirements for this extensive project, which could have a significant impact on maintaining flow at the checkpoint and improving productivity.”

Smiths Detection will install 20 lanes for Terminal 3 and six for Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport. The new lanes will have Smiths Detection HI-SCAN 6040-2is dual-view X-ray scanners previously purchased by IAA.

“Automation plays a key role in streamlining screening by literally keeping things moving and the result is increased throughput, lower per capita costs, and a passenger-friendly process.”

In addition, six lanes will be installed at Ramon Airport, which is expected to officially open next year.

The new airport will serve the south of the country and the Red Sea.

The contract also includes re-check workstations, an option for remote screening and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for image retention, monitoring, statistics, and reporting.

Smiths Detection expects to begin delivery and installation of the new equipment in May next year.

Under the contract terms, Eastronics will provide aftermarket service.

The new order comes after Smiths Detection with its distribution partner Donggok Precision secured a contract from Korea Airport (KAC) last month to supply computed tomography (CT) based screening systems to Jeju International Airport.