Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Heathrow invests over £50m in CT security equipment

Aerospace Security

Heathrow invests over £50m in CT security equipment

In a UK airport first, Heathrow has announced the rollout of new computed tomography (CT) security equipment throughout the airport over the next few years.

When fully deployed, the 3D equipment could end the need for passengers to remove their liquids and laptops from cabin baggage when passing through security.

With the support of the Department for Transport, Heathrow is beginning a programme to install the new equipment across its terminals by 2022. Once complete, the technology will have the potential to cut the amount of time required for security screening and could significantly reduce the amount of plastic used at the airport, with passengers no longer required to put their liquids in plastic bags before being screened. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

The new CT technology is the latest generation of security equipment, providing even better images of cabin baggage more quickly. The move to install this equipment airport-wide will make the screening process even more robust, helping the airport’s teams to provide a more efficient and seamless search experience. Once the rollout is complete, it will have the potential to transform the journey through the airport.

Heathrow is the first UK airport to trial the technology and is working with the Department for Transport to help other airports up and down the country as they look to begin trials of their own in the coming months.

This rollout, valued at over £50 million, is the latest in a series of purchases by the airport to improve the passenger experience, culminating in the airport being ranked by passengers as one of the top 10 globally.

Heathrow Chief Operations Officer, Chris Garton, said: “Heathrow has a proud history of investing in making every journey better and that’s why we’re delighted to be rolling out our new CT equipment. This cutting-edge kit will not only keep the airport safe with the latest technology but will mean that our future passengers can keep their focus on getting on with their journeys and less time preparing for security screening.”


Courtesy Heathrow

Advertisement
ODU RT

Aviation Minster, Baroness Vere (above,centre) added: “Passenger safety remains our top priority and this programme clearly shows the huge importance we place on security.

“This innovative new equipment will ensure Heathrow continues to provide a safe and smooth travel experience for passengers, as we look to roll out this new screening technology at airports across the country.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

Aerospace

University of Bristol study looks at reducing vertical air taxi noise

25 June 2026

The University of Bristol has published a study in Applied Acoustics this week, showing how landing pad design could reduce noise for vertical air taxis.

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

Aerospace Defence Security

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

24 June 2026

Digital Catapult has concluded its inaugural Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator which showcased cutting-edge digital twin solutions developed by nine small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK.

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

24 June 2026

Intelligent Energy has successfully completed H2GEAR (Hydrogen Electric Aircraft Propulsion System) - the UK’s flagship hydrogen aviation research programme - and is now applying the technology, expertise and infrastructure developed through the project to its next phase: commercial hydrogen fuel cell systems for zero-emission aircraft.

Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

Aerospace

Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

23 June 2026

The High Court in London has today upheld the UK Government’s decision to grant consent for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

Aerospace Defence

Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

23 June 2026

Redditch based Altus Group has announced a new partnership with SEHO Systems GmbH, a German manufacturer specialising in wave and selective soldering systems, automation technology as well as THT inspection solutions.

From plane spotting to first flight

Aerospace

From plane spotting to first flight

23 June 2026

A Manchester man who grew up spotting planes at the city’s airport and spent a week on work experience as a teenager at the hub, yesterday realised his dream after piloting his first commercial flight for easyJet.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB