OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg has implemented a new Smart Security checkpoint that will digitise the security check process and should help speed up passenger progress through security.
Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), which manages the airport, said the new system should also help enhance security.
The pilot implementation of the Smart Security system goes live on Tuesday, 8 November at the international departures security point at the airport.
From Tuesday, departing international passengers will use the new system, which includes a new conveyor system for checking hand luggage and a new scanning booth for individual passengers.
“Passengers will find that with the new system there will almost be no need for physical pat-downs of passengers who set off security alarms because the scanning technology is much better at detecting objects that should not be carried on or around the person,” said OR Tambo International Aiport GM Bongiwe Pityi.
Pityi said the first change that passengers will notice is a security turnstile before entering the security area, where boarding passes will be verified electronically before passengers are allowed to proceed to the scanning area.
Acsa is promising the new system will mean a less frequent requirement by passengers to remove laptops and switch them on.
The pilot of the Smart Security checkpoint will run until the end of January 2017, when its effectiveness will be assessed and possible improvements identified.
Acsa said that over time it “should be feasible” to introduce the system across the airports it operates. — (c) 2016 NewsCentral Media
