Shannon Airport have introduced new technology that could half the amount of time it takes people to pass through airport security screening.
In addition to the new technology nine recruits have joined Shannon Airport's airport security team after completing training in how to use the facility's multi-million euro 3D x-ray screening system for explosive detection.
The new employees have received their official certificates after completing the intense training courses and have joined the security team as Shannon tries to improve the passenger experience.
The 3D x-ray screening system has in-built explosive detection software that eliminates the need for passengers to separate liquids and electronics from their cabin bags, and Shannon is the first state airport to introduce the technology.
It is expected that the technology will half the time spent going through screening for passengers. The course consists of classroom-based and practical learning followed by final examinations and certifications by the Irish Aviation Authority.
In Association with
Shannon has added a total of 19 airport screening unit (ASU) officers to its team this year, and the latest recruits hailing from Limerick, Clare, Galway, Lithuania, Poland, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
"I would like to congratulate our latest group of newly trained ASU officers, and thank lead Instructor Jean Moloney who was supported by her colleagues, the screening supervisors, for the fantastic training they’ve given our new team members," said John Francis, head of security at Shannon Airport.
“We are committed to making our passenger’s journey at Shannon Airport, as easy as possible. The new recruits have undergone intensive training in all aspects of airport security to prepare them for this extremely important role, as we continue to invest in our screening process.
“Our team work across the unit, from greeting passengers and checking boarding cards, to analysing x-rays of baggage on our highly advanced system and guiding passengers as they begin to go through the security process.
“They also work with our colleagues from US Pre-Clearance, at our combined US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) check point system. Shannon is the only airport in the world to operate this combined US/EU checkpoint system, again eliminating an additional step in our passengers’ journey.”
ASU training covers a wide range of areas, including hand search of cabin baggage and of the person, screening of vehicles, identifying prohibited items, screening inflight and airport supplies, as well as customer service, reduced mobility, and familiarisation training in the airport's special needs programme.
Photo: (l-r) Sisters Natasha and Michaela Conroy using a C3 EDS Cabin Baggage Screening Machine. (Pic: Arthur Ellis)
