X-ray eyes for airport

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 1

X-ray eyes for airport

Travellers leaving for overseas from Christchurch Airport after October 9 can expect to have their hand luggage checked far more thoroughly than in the past. As part of a plan to tighten airport security in New Zealand, they and their luggage will be subjected to electronic "casing.” A $40,000 fluoroscope and a gateway metal detector will be used for training between now and October. They ensure that no dangerous weapon is taken aboard an aircraft. The fluoroscope is shown being demonstrated by Mr T. Joy, the Civil Aviation Division’s head of security.

Last week, identical equipment came into use at Auckland Airport, and next veek it will be Wellington’s turn. The hand luggage is placed on a conveyer belt leading into the fluoroscope and a security officer gets an X-ray view of the luggage and its contents. The machine can handle 1000 items an hour. The gateway metal detector is for passengers to walk through. Any metallic object carried is indicated by bleeps and flashing lights. The equipment will be positioned by the doors leading into the overseas departure lounge. The Christchurch City Council public utilities committee was told by the airport’s general manager (Mr A. L R. Jamieson) yesterday that trials with the equipment showed more space would be needed in the overseas departure lounge.

It was decided to extend the frontage of the lounge six feet. The estimate for the work is $7500.