Spanish airports to install new Smiths Detection explosives scanner

The U.K.-based threat detection and screening technology manufacturer Smiths Detection has been contracted by the Spanish Airport Operator -- also known as Aena -- to equip 24 airports with the new IONSCAN 600 passenger screening explosives detector; the company will be providing three hundred of the recently launched screening systems, manufactured in Watford, U.K.

The equipment is to be supplied through Smiths Detection’s Spanish distributor TECOSA.

The contract marks the first major aviation contract for the advanced, portable system which detects and identifies explosives from small traces found on baggage or clothing.

The IONSCAN 600 will add an additional layer of security to existing x-ray scanners at security checkpoints. Aena chose the system because its high performance, ease of operation and low cost. The IONSCAN 600 will be put into operation to enhance the screening of the half million passengers who pass through Spain’s airports each day.

Tony Tielen, regional vice president at Smiths Detection, said the Aena contract is a significant milestone for the company.

“The IONSCAN system has played a leading role in enhancing aviation security over the last 15 years, with nearly 25 thousand of the previous versions installed world-wide,” Tielen said. “With IONSCAN 600 now approved by important regulatory bodies such as ECAC, we expect this success story to continue.”