Houston City Council has approved funding to procure TSA equipment for the 17-lane security checkpoint at the new Mickey Leland International Terminal, currently under construction at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
This new security checkpoint will be one of the largest in the US as part of the new terminal’s International Central Processor (ICP).
The ICP facility will include ticket counters, baggage claim, and a 17-lane security checkpoint. These lanes will provide a safe, secure and efficient security experience.
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports said:Houston Airports strives to get passengers through TSA Security in 20 minutes or less. Today, we meet that goal at Bush Airport more than 90% of the time. This investment in innovative technology will enhance our efficiency and ensure that our passengers have a world-class experience each time they visit our airports.
The funding for the new TSA equipment at IAH has been approved through two ordinances.
The first ordinance appropriates 11.8 million USD from the Airports Improvement Fund for the purchase, installation, training and maintenance of nine new Scarabee Checkpoint Property Screening Systems (CPSS) Automated Screening Lanes.
This equipment will screen luggage brought through the TSA checkpoint, providing 3D images of its contents. In doing so, it will help TSA reduce the number of required bag searches and will allow passengers to leave their electronics and liquids within their carry-on luggage.
As a result of these increased efficiencies, each CPSS Lane will be able to screen more than 100 additional passengers and baggage per hour than existing equipment used at the airport.
The second ordinance appropriates 1.2 million USD from the Airports Improvement Fund for the purchase, installation, training and maintenance of six Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) Quick Personnel Security Scanners.
These walk-thru AIT Scanners screen people using millimetre wave technology to automatically detect potentially dangerous items.
They will provide an improved passenger experience by not requiring travellers to raise their arms. Meanwhile, they have a scan time of 1 to 2 seconds.
Each scanner is thus also capable of screening 100 more passengers than existing equipment.
Juan Sanchez, Federal Security Director for TSA at George Bush Intercontinental Airport said:These new security screening machines are faster, have fewer false alarms and have improved detection rates, which creates a safer experience for our passengers and airlines.
The new technology will be in place in time for Houston to host the 2026 World Cup.
