Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has become the world’s first to implement walk-through security scanners for routine passenger screening.
Following a year-long trial at Concourse A in Terminal 1, the German Federal Police has authorised full-scale deployment of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 security system.
This new technology enhances passenger comfort and convenience by allowing individuals to walk through the scanner at normal speed rather than pausing in a specific posture. They also do not have to remove jackets or metallic objects.
Each day, approximately 18,000 departing passengers pass through the equipped checkpoint. Plans are underway to expand the deployment of the QPS Walk2000 scanners to additional security lanes in Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3.
Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport AG’s aviation division said:We’re the world’s first airport to set a new standard of passenger security with this 360° walkthrough scanner. 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.
The QPS Walk2000 scanner employs millimetre-wave technology that penetrates clothing, displaying an avatar that marks potential threats in real-time. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can quickly assess the indicated area rather than conducting a full rescan of the passenger.
Andreas Hägele, who heads the microwave imaging department at Rohde & Schwarz, said:The very successful joint testing and evaluation of the walkthrough scanner by the Federal Police and Fraport at Frankfurt Airport are an example of excellent collaboration by all of the involved parties. We’re very proud to be contributing to an advanced, innovative and globally new approach for screening passengers at airports.
Since assuming responsibility for security checks at Frankfurt Airport, Fraport has invested approximately 22 million EUR to equip security lanes with cutting-edge CT technology and innovative lane designs. The airport manages around 160 security lanes while the German Federal Police oversee key aviation security responsibilities, including defining requirements, supervising legal and technical compliance, and providing armed checkpoint protection.
