BODY scanners are being installed at Jersey Airport to complete a wider security system upgrade which began earlier this year.
The equipment – which forms part of a £3 million project to improve customer facilities and security technology – is needed to meet new requirements coming into effect for most UK airports from June 2024.
The programme of upgrades has already seen three new X-ray machines installed, which allow liquids of up to two litres to be kept in hand luggage and no longer requires passengers to remove electronic devices.
Four body scanners are also now being installed, which will be capable of bouncing millimetre-waves off an individual’s skin to produce an outline image of their body – showing any concealed objects.
However, a Ports of Jersey spokesperson explained that the scanners “do not reveal the naked body or the insides of a body”.
They said: “Airport security staff see a generic human shape, much like a gingerbread man, without any identifying features. The generic human shape is the same for every traveller going through an airport scanner.”
Anyone who does not wish to be screened by a security scanner will need to be searched by hand instead.
Head of security, Maria Le Tiec, said: “Two of the new scanners will be in operation from Thursday, 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.”
