Amsterdam Schiphol Airport Updates Security Scanners to Improve Passenger Comfort
New security scanners installed to accommodate a shortage of personnel in the post-COVID-19 pandemic period and fully resumed air traffic.
21 new security scanners precede security checks at the Schengen security filter at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.
MUNICH, Germany — As the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to dissipate and air traffic nears pre-pandemic levels for the first time in about three years, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has installed 21 new Rohde & Schwarz QPS201 security scanners.
The scanners help the airport overcome a shortage in personnel and increased number of travelers, a major obstacle to handling the crunch at security lanes quickly. The modernized security lanes at Schiphol now meet the surging post-pandemic travel demands.
Schiphol has operated more than 25 R&S QPS201 security scanners. Airport personnel decided in February to also modernize the Schengen departure filter, where most traffic is expected, especially during peak seasons, including school holidays.
Why Schiphol Airport Added New Security Scanners
The R&S QPS201 offers industry-leading speed and comfort for person screening without the need to raise arms and ultra-low alarm rates that reduce the need for manual pat-downs. Moreover, the open construction of the scanner makes it much more pleasant for passengers who feel place constrained in classic cabin-type scanners.
Schiphol is now able to minimize manual pat-down searches, meaning passengers now experience higher convenience and speed at security checkpoints. Moreover, security officers are excited about the new scanners.
“The new scanners work much easier, and we have to inspect fewer passengers,” one said. “It gives them much more convenience and makes it safer, really a great progress.”
With a firm deadline to be met before the start of the Dutch May holidays, all parties had to work together very closely.
“It takes a lot of work and planning to change a complex environment such as the Schengen security filter,” says project manager Perry van Kan. “The passenger service shall always continue, and changes may not invoke any limitation. Normally, such a process takes a lot of time, but we didn’t have that.
“It was great that the security scanners were delivered in such a short time and the cooperation with Rohde & Schwarz has been experienced to be very flexible. It proves that, if necessary, Schiphol can also make such a project a great success in a short timeframe,” he says
One important criterion for Schiphol to proceed with the replacement was the timely delivery of the 21 security scanners. Despite the global shortage of raw materials in the component industry, Rohde & Schwarz proved to be a reliable partner also in this aspect.
As the R&S QPS201 is developed and manufactured in Germany and thanks to a solid supply chain management, Rohde & Schwarz was able to guarantee reliable delivery times even under such challenging conditions.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add sales to your bottom line.
A free subscription to the #1 resource for the residential and commercial security industry will prove to be invaluable. Subscribe today!
