Located on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way coastline, Kerry Airport services one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. To ensure the highest levels of security and a superior customer experience, the decision was made to replace existing passenger checkpoint security scanners with the latest ECAC EDS CB C3 compliant technology together with new lanes. Smiths Detection was chosen to deliver not only the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners but also the specialist input and guidance needed to plan, design and implement the overall solution on a particularly small footprint and with limited access.

Handling around 400,000 passengers each year, Kerry Airport is a busy regional hub offering regular scheduled flights to London Stansted, London Luton, Alicante, Faro, Berlin and Frankfurt Hahn with daily flights to Dublin also providing global connections. Boasting some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery, Kerry is a popular destination for overseas visitors.

The key challenge was to devise a workable checkpoint solution for a relatively small, narrow and hard to access area where support beams added further complications to positioning and passenger flow. Additionally, the equipment had to be transported through the main terminal entrance to reach the checkpoint area –this would normally be undertaken outside of operational hours but due to the pandemic, limited flights and a quiet airport, it could be carried out during the day.

Whilst on site, the whole Smiths Detection team adhered to all national and local health requirements and policies.

The Smiths Detection design engineers worked with the airport’s building constraints to devise an effective checkpoint. Using 3D planning tools to visualise potential passengers flows and different layout options from an eye level perspective for a clear impression of the lane and passenger experience.

All plans being shared via online conferencing during the COVID-19 crisis. A final, detailed on-site survey of the route and available space helped establish which of the two lanes should be installed first -allowing the other to continue operating safely.

The Smiths Detection team was very diligent, regularly providing briefings and updates and making sure all installation and commissioning eventualities were covered. “We were extremely happy with the entire process from start to finish,” explained Tom O’Driscoll, Chief Security Officer, Kerry Airport. “Engagement from Smiths Detection was second to none. The project manager and installation engineers were very professional and willing to listen to our queries at all times. Even the sales team stayed involved throughout the project to ensure we were happy with every stage.”

Kerry Airport now has two state-of-the-art checkpoint solutions designed to make the best possible use of the available space. The HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX scanners provide the highest standard of security demanded by the airport and superior image quality. Computed Tomography (CT) scanners examine baggage contents from every angle generating 3D images with very precise data so more accurate judgements can be made on contents within a bag.

This technology eliminates the need to remove electronic devices and liquids from hand luggage which, in turn, expedites screening. A faster, simpler screening process with shorter queues and fewer trays is less stressful and more passenger friendly. Handling fewer trays can significantly increase checkpoint throughput, while the impressive 0.2m/s belt speed and low false alarm rate also speed up the process.

“The new equipment is installed and ready to handle higher passenger numbers when travel restrictions are finally lifted -and we believe the benefits will stretch far into the future,” added Tom O’Driscoll.