The technology keeping air travel secure

Automated and artificially intelligent security systems are helping aviation leaders fast-track growth and innovation.

Fast, frictionless security solutions that maintain high threat detection while speeding people and goods to their destination are the future of transit. According to research from Deloitte, smarter and more digitally connected airports powered by these solutions will continue to open up a world of new business opportunities. And with a growing push toward smarter airports, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has ramped up technology deployments by more than 270% since March 2020 alone.

“The aviation industry was already embracing seamless and contactless solutions before the pandemic, which has only served to accelerate this ongoing trend,” says Jim Moos, president of the Civil Group at leading technology and security provider Leidos. “Going forward, it will only become more important for airlines, airports, and other transportation leaders to embrace digital transformation and work to promote greater trust and convenience by making travel experiences more touchless, automated, and intuitive.”

Top security providers like Leidos are already helping speed up this transition by offering forward-thinking solutions such as automated passenger-screening capabilities, hyper-accurate computed tomography (CT) image scans, and fully sanitized automated handling of antimicrobial trays. Innovations like these simplify airport traffic patterns and workflows while keeping passengers and flight staff moving and minimizing pat-downs and false alarms. But such forward-thinking advancements are just the beginning. In the coming months and years, growing leaps in artificial intelligence (A.I.) and automation that companies like Leidos continue to pioneer will also increasingly allow passengers to self-identify and self-screen without even stopping at security checkpoints.

Imagine checking in for a flight at a voice-activated kiosk, dropping your bag off with a robotic handler, and strolling straight through security and biometric scanners onto a plane without ever having to interact with security staff. Likewise, picture receiving running updates on your flight status and tips for arriving at the airport straight to your phone from data management systems that receive continuous information feeds from air transit officials and airlines. From ultraviolet disinfection lights that automatically clean trays to baggage handling belts that intelligently route suspicious suitcases to security personnel, the future of air travel is currently unfolding before our eyes. According to industry experts, this is just a small taste of what to expect in terms of new technology-powered enhancements in the near future.

“Airline leaders are increasingly looking for ways to decrease operating costs while improving security, just as passengers are putting an ever-growing premium on accessibility, safety, and convenience,” says Moos. “We’re the only security provider to offer a full range of integrated checkpoint solutions for use in a secure networked environment—including optional plug-and-play integration of data feeds from external information sources. By leveraging A.I. and machine learning capabilities to quickly screen and identify passengers and optimize productivity, our systems offer all of the pieces needed to deliver a seamless air travel experience.”

To learn more, visit Leidos.com/security-detection.