Modernising Passenger Screening

Aeroporto G. Marconi di Bologna (AdB)

Aeroporto G. Marconi di Bologna (BLQ) is a key aviation hub in northern Italy, connecting the Emilia-Romagna region with major European and international destinations. Handling over ten million 
passengers annually, Bologna Airport plays a vital role in regional mobility, business travel, and tourism. As passenger numbers continue to rise, AdB has prioritised operational efficiency and service quality across all aspects of the passenger journey.

Increasing Throughput Within a Constrained Terminal Environment

Bologna Airport’s existing checkpoint area had reached capacity. The legacy screening system, comprising nine mechanical lanes with conventional X-ray technology, was increasingly unable to accommodate peak traffic efficiently.

With limited space for expansion, AdB required a modernised checkpoint that could:

• Increase throughput without enlarging the terminal footprint.
• Deliver faster, more seamless passenger screening.
• Improve the working environment for security staff through more efficient and ergonomic systems.
• Comply with new EU regulatory standards for C3-level screening.

Beyond compliance, the airport sought a checkpoint that balanced security performance with operational efficiency and thoughtful design, supporting a smoother experience for both passengers and operators alike.

Advanced CT Screening Integrated with Smart Lane Design

Following a competitive tender, Smiths Detection, together with Cassioli Group, was selected to deliver a fully integrated checkpoint transformation. 

The solution includes:

• 8 x HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX Model S — advanced CT scanners for cabin baggage, certified to ECAC Standard 3.1, enabling passengers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags.
• 8 x Cassioli Fast2Check lanes — automated tray-handling systems designed for continuous tray flow and improved passenger preparation.
• Redundant matrix server architecture — enabling remote image analysis and system resilience
• Complete checkpoint redesign — optimising layout, passenger flow, and operator ergonomics

Delivered in partnership with Cassioli, the new screening area increased throughput capacity while expanding the checkpoint footprint from 1,170 m² to 2,200 m².

Installation was completed in phases, with the final lanes commissioned in March 2025, replacing the airport’s legacy HS 6040i systems.

Faster Screening, Enhanced Passenger Experience

The modernised checkpoint has transformed both the pace and the quality of passenger screening:

• Increased throughput and reduced queuing, allowing smoother flow at peak times
• A better passenger experience, with no need to remove liquids or laptops
• Improved operator comfort and efficiency, supported by ergonomic design and automated processes
• Future-ready compliance, meeting EU C3 standards and enabling remote screening architecture

By combining Smiths Detection’s CT technology with Cassioli’s lane automation, Bologna Airport has strengthened its checkpoint capability while creating a more efficient, passenger-focused security environment.

Several factors influenced AdB’s decision:

• Trusted partnership — a 20-year supplier relationship with Smiths Detection, backed by a proven record of reliability and service excellence
• High technical score — superior lane configuration, networking capability, and maintenance planning
• Collaborative delivery — seamless integration with Cassioli’s lane technology, ensuring full system compatibility and operational efficiency
• Value-driven proposal — competitive pricing enabled through a joint venture between Smiths Detection and Cassiol