Ireland’s Shannon Airport is set to trial a new pre-clearance checkpoint concept, which can reduce the security screening time spent by passengers by half.
Developed as part of the EU-funded XP-DITE project, the technology combines the European and US pre-clearance checkpoints, as well as replaces the existing two separate checkpoints that are used with just one.
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Set to run at the airport for ten weeks, the trial describes the way a checkpoint can be designed to comply with the EU and the US TSA systems regulations.
Shannon Airport operations director Niall Maloney said: “Passenger security is of paramount importance to us and being able to trial a new system that combines the highest level of security screening together with a customer focused operation is a win-win.
“The elimination of the additional security measures in the US pre-clearance facility in particular is a significant advancement in improving both our passengers and customer airlines experience.
“We have literally just started trialling the new checkpoint and already we are getting positive feedback from our airport customers availing of the pre-clearance by the removal of a checkpoint.”
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By GlobalDataPrior to travelling to the US, passengers will be able to complete immigration and customs formalities, as well as security screening for domestic flights using pre-clearance.
The passengers can land at any airport in the country and can take domestic flights without rescreening, while their luggage can be checked through to their final destination.
XP-DITE project coordinator Mark van den Brink said: “Designing and evaluating airport checkpoints at system level gives the possibility to assess new approaches to airport security, which could maintain a high level of security while improving the experience for passengers and reducing costs for operators.”
Expected to benefit approximately 20 million US-bound passengers a year, the pre-clearance approach is to be implemented at ten major airports worldwide.
Image: Shannon Airport’s trial describes how a checkpoint can be designed to comply with the EU and the US TSA systems regulations. Photo: © Shannon Airport.
