When Russia was selected to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup back in 2010, it was predicted that approximately one million tourists would visit the world’s largest country for the event. In the end, more than five million tourists visited Russia’s host cities to witness football’s most celebrated tournament, with Moscow emerging as the most popular city among football fans.

As with any large-scale international event, such as the FIFA World Cup, safety and security are paramount not only for the success of the event, but to ensure utmost protection of its visitors. So, when Russia’s busiest airport – Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) in Moscow – began planning an additional terminal (Terminal B) to handle the influx of passengers during the World Cup, security strategy was high amongst their list of considerations.

The World Cup promised to attract hundreds of thousands of people from across the world to Russia and for most of them their experience would begin at Sheremetyevo Airport. If SVO’s visitors were to leave with a good first impression, it was crucial for SVO to facilitate a smooth journey through the airport without compromising on security.

To achieve this, the airport looked for a reliable partner whose screening solutions would allow SVO to meet its security and passenger experience objectives. They also wanted to ensure that these solutions complied with the latest detection standards set by international authorities, to ensure longevity of their investment. With these criteria, the airport sought a partner with the experience, knowledge and track record they could rely on. After assessing strategies from various companies, SVO decided to progress with screening technologies designed by Smiths Detection. Apart from the partnership that goes beyond 20 years, SVO chose Smiths Detection because they believed these solutions would increase throughput and tighten safety of all its passengers.

In the run up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Smiths Detection supplied a full-range of security scanners for the new passenger Terminal B and Cargo Complex LLC (‘Moscow Cargo’) at the Sheremetyevo International Airport.

Negotiated by a Smiths Detection distributor, NEOSCAN Russia, this substantial contract included a total of 91 advanced X-ray inspection systems delivering a broad array of screening functions, from passenger checkpoint and hold baggage through to cargo.

Smiths Detection provided SVO with 30 HI-SCAN 5180si X-ray systems for screening passenger baggage at the entrance of the airport; 26 HI-SCAN 6046si checkpoint scanners for carry-on bags and personal belongings; and two HI-SCAN 10080 XCT and four HI-SCAN 10080 EDX-2is for hold baggage. An additional seventeen HI-SCAN 100100T systems have been installed to screen larger, out of gauge items in the passenger terminal.

In the Cargo Complex, seven HI-SCAN 180180-2is pro models were installed to take care of large scale, consolidated and palletised goods; two HI-SCAN 100100V-2is scanners were installed to handle break bulk and other cargo. Visitors are also being checked using three HI-SCAN 6046si scanners.

Millions past through Russia during the World Cup, with Smiths Detection equipment providing the security needed to ensure safe and secure this international tournament. In addition to meeting security standards required by international regulators, the new Smiths Detection technology supplied increased efficiency of passenger processing. The success of the project led to Smiths Detection receiving an additional order in October 2018 to secure Sheremetyevo Terminal C1.