Brussels Airport has launched the first phase of works to implement new technology for hold baggage screening. By the 1st of September 2022, every airport in the European Union must screen hold baggage according to Baggage Screening Standard 3. That is why Brussels Airport is investing 100 million Euros in the purchase of new screening devices and the construction of a new hall and infrastructure.
Every airport in the European Union must screen hold baggage according to the ECAC (European Civil Aviation Conference) Hold Baggage Screening Standard 3 by 2022 at the latest. The standard requires that hold baggage also undergoes a CT scan, in addition to an X ray scan. Similar to CT scans used in hospitals, CT technology for hold baggage creates a 3D image of baggage content.
The new CT technology enables a far more accurate analysis of baggage content, resulting in fewer bags requiring an additional check by security staff. Should the screening device be unable to detect the contents of a piece of luggage or identify a suspicious object, a security officer will further analyse the 3D image of the luggage and decide whether the luggage may be permitted on board the aircraft. Due to improved detection, the volume of baggage requiring the intervention of a security agent should decrease.
Arnaud Feist, Brussels Airport Company CEO, says :
With the implementation of Standard 3 screening devices, Brussels Airport is taking an important step towards modernising and expanding baggage handling at the airport. The new technology will allow for an extremely accurate image of the contents of the luggage, making analysis more efficient. The 100 million Euro investment for its implementation not only includes the purchase of the new screening devices, but also the construction of a new hall next to the Sky Hall.
Creating space to accommodate the new screening devices
Screening devices that satisfy Standard 3 are significantly larger and heavier than current Standard 2 devices. As more space is required for each device, it is not possible to simply replace the devices in the existing baggage hall.
Brussels Airport will therefore construct a new hall between the Sky Hall and Pier B in order to accommodate the new screening configuration for hold baggage. The old building that currently sits on this site, is not fit for the purpose in its current state and must therefore be demolished. The demolition works have started early June and will continue until the end of summer. After some preliminary work, the construction of the new area will begin next year. At a later stage, the new Standard 3 screening devices will be placed and the new installation integrated into the existing baggage sorting system.