LONDON – On November 25, London City Airport announced that they have partnered up with Leidos to improve the security process for passengers from mid-2023 with new X-Ray machines.
Security Improvements
From April 2023, following a successful trial during 2022, London City Airport (LCY) will be implementing brand-new CT scanners in their security facility that are to be provided from Leidos, a world leader in providing new technology, engineering and science solutions for many businesses worldwide.
The new CT scanners will replace all of London City’s existing conventional X-Ray machines, which will enable the ability to scan passengers belongings without the need to remove large electrical devices, such as, laptops as well as any approved liquids.
This form of scanning will certainly speed-up the security processing at London City, especially with their expectations for 2023 of handling nearly four million passengers. This is proven with the CT scanners being able to process up to 550 trays per hour, per each CT scanner.
London City has begun a plethora of investments in recent years, with these new CT scanners being added to the list, alongside their £12 million departure lounge investment.
Their £12 million investment was announced back in October, and will see London City add more seating, two new restaurants, the expansion of duty free shopping, more retail space, more washrooms and a complete makeover of the departure terminal, giving it a brand-new building feel for passengers.
Senior Comments
Commenting on London City Airport’s latest upgrade investment, their Chief Operating Officer, Alison FitzGerald, said, “Following our one-lane trial this year, we know the new CT scanners are high performing and our passengers love them.”
“We are always challenging ourselves to make the LCY experience even better, so this, alongside the £12 million upgrade in the departure lounge will mean the journey through the airport in 2023 will be even slicker, with more space and better food & beverage and retail options.”
“Thanks to the Leidos solution, alongside speed, it also delivers the highest security specifications. Speed, convenience and consistency of service are qualities that we know are so important to our passengers, especially now.”
“So we also hope the results from Which? survey will encourage more people to use London City Airport this Christmas and through 2023.”
Adding to FitzGerald’s comments, Leidos’ Division Manager and Director of Aviation, Jonathan Stone, said, “We’re excited to expand our partnership with London City Airport and enhance their security checkpoints. Leidos focuses on constant innovation and discovery.”
“Through our next-generation technology, airports can achieve high security levels, while providing a better travel experience for their passengers.”
Overall
It is great to see another airport joining the list of using full CT scanners during their security processing. It really should be made a mandatory backing that all major airports worldwide should use next-generation CT scanners.
This move will not only massively improve their passenger experience, but also significantly increase their efficiency during the security process.
With these new scanners, it wouldn’t be surprising if passengers begin to opt to travel in and out of London City more than London Heathrow, especially when travelling to those closer destinations that London City serves with the like of BA CityFlyer.
LCY was recently ranked the best performing UK airport for security queues in a Which? survey of passengers: https://press.which.co.uk/whichpressreleases/which-reveals-worst-uk-airport-for-security-queues/
