Jersey Airport Introduces Body Scanners

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 07:00

Four new body scanners are being installed at Jersey Airport.

The technology is part of a £3m upgrade of customer facilities and the security facilities at the airport.

Earlier in the year, new X-ray machines were installed, allowing passengers to take more liquids onboard the plane and leave their electronics in hand luggage.

Head of Security, Maria Le Tiec, says the four body scanners will complete the new security system which is required by most UK airports by next June.

"Two of the new scanners will be in operation from Thursday (23 November), and the remaining two will follow.

The scanners are safe, non-invasive, and easy to use with the right preparation. Security staff will explain to passengers how they need to prepare for the new scanners, which will go into operation this week."

The scanners use millimetre wave imaging. They work by bouncing millimetre waves off an person's skin to produce an outline image of the person’s body

Scanners do not reveal the naked body or insides of a body, but a generic shape resembling a gingerbread man.

They can detects objects concealed under clothing

Images are then analysed and will not be kept, transmitted or printed.

Anyone who opts out of the scanner will be searched by security staff.

New technology is being rolled out at airports across the UK to improve the screening of passengers and luggage ahead of June 2024 deadline.