Frankfurt airport will deploy AI-powered walk-through security scanners across multiple terminals following a year-long test phase.
The QPS Walk2000 scanners are currently used for passenger security checks at Concourse A in Terminal 1 and will now extend to additional security lanes in Terminal 1 as well as across the airport’s new Terminal 3.
The wide-scale use of the technology has been approved by the German Federal Police, the airport said, and will provide “significantly greater comfort and convenience” at security checks.
“Instead of having to freeze in an awkward posture for scanning, travellers can simply walk through the scanner at a normal speed,” the airport said in a statement.
The millimetre-wave technology used in the QPS Walk2000 scanners penetrates clothing while AI-based detection software pinpoints potentially dangerous objects in real time, according to the airport. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can focus on the specific area instead of having to completely rescan the passenger.
“We’re the world’s first airport to set a new standard of passenger security with this 360° walkthrough scanner,” said Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport’s aviation division.
“During the test phase we worked closely with the German Federal Police to optimise its operation and pave the way for its certification. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience by using the latest technologies to make checkpoints faster and easier to navigate while upholding our high standard of security,” he said.
Airport operator Fraport said it has already invested some €22 million to overhaul security checkpoints at the German hub with advanced CT technology.