Smiths Detection has recently secured a contract worth $125 million to provide a comprehensive range of advanced detection equipment for Abu Dhabi Airport’s new terminal.

In one of its biggest single airport orders, Smiths Detection will equip the Midfield Terminal’s entire hold baggage and passenger screening checkpoints with a range of systems to help increase the airport’s annual capacity. The Midfield Terminal Building, which is currently under construction, is due to be completed in 2017.

The hold baggage systems include the Hi-Scan 10080 XCT, a next-generation high-speed explosives detection system combining X-ray and computed tomography technologies. For carry-on baggage screening, Smiths Detection will deploy its aTiX (Advanced Threat Inspection X-Ray) systems, supported by trace detection sensors, bottle liquid scanners and radiation detectors. The terminal will also install 3D workstations for outbound equipment screening by the police and 2D workstations for the inbound screening by Customs.

Smiths Detection is a global leader in providing government regulated systems to detect CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives) material.

Its president Richard Ingram says: “This contract win highlights our success in supplying advanced, integrated security solutions that meet the operational needs of our customers while delivering long-term value. We look forward to consolidating our already close partnership with such an important and rapidly expanding hub airport.”

Meanwhile, Smiths Detection has unveiled Checkpoint.Evo, an innovative software solution that greatly enhances the inspection and integration capacities of airport security checkpoints. Checkpoint.Evo connects individual sensors to a fully networked checkpoint system to provide real-time data collection, distribution and management that improves both the inspection process and operational efficiency.

Barrie Foley, vice-president Europe Middle East and Africa (EMEA) of Smiths Detection, says: “Ever-rising passenger numbers and evolving security regulations mean airports face unprecedented challenges. Checkpoint.Evo meets both the current and future requirements of customers. We are confident that this new solution will raise aviation security to unparalleled levels of performance and quality while maintaining the highest security standards.”

Checkpoint.Evo’s centralised remote screening helps speed up inspection of hand luggage because image evaluation and alarm resolution from, for instance, X-ray scanners can be centrally monitored away from the noise and distractions of the checkpoint.

In addition, advanced recheck functions electronically mark suspicious areas in bags to enable a more focused search for illegal items by on-the-spot operators, resulting in faster throughput and reduced queuing times.

Furthermore, Checkpoint.Evo’s data management capabilities offer real-time and historical data for analysis and reporting, which allows airport operators to share information and monitor the entire screening operation via remote portable devices, such as tablet PCs.