Market Trends of Airport Passenger Screening Systems Industry
Advanced Imaging Technology Segment Expected to have a High Growth Rate During the Forecast Period
The advanced imaging technology segment is expected to have the highest growth during the forecast period owing to the growing investments of airport authorities in imaging technology-based passenger screening systems for efficient and contactless screening. The advanced imaging technology (AIT) system enables the authorities to screen passengers for both metallic and non-metallic threats without any physical contact using imaging technologies like X-rays and computed tomography (CT). Furthermore, increasing air traffic and growing security concerns at airports boost market growth.
Following the pandemic, airport operators across the globe inducted new imaging technology to promote contactless screening at their airports. The United States airports were the early adopters of the AIT passenger screening systems due to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) initiatives. Currently, TSA is further increasing the penetration of technology into the airports of the US. For instance, in March 2022, Analogic Corporation announced that the company's ConneCT computed tomography (CT) checkpoint security screening system had been deployed at a TSA checkpoint at the Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) in the United States. Integrating the new CT system is part of the TSA's Checkpoint Property Screening Systems (CPSS) program, which will have Analogic install over 300 mid-size CPSS systems into airport security checkpoints around the country. Similar initiatives by airport operators in other regions are expected to propel segment growth during the forecast period.
Asia-Pacific Region Will Witness the Highest Growth During the Forecast Period
The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period. This is primarily due to the construction of new airports and the modernization of the existing airport facilities, mostly in India, China, and some countries in Southeast Asia, like Vietnam and Thailand, to increase their passenger handling capacities.
For example, in January 2022, the Indian government said it planned to build 16 new airports in five states.The plan for this construction is part of the PM Gati Shakti-National Master Plan, which aims to boost multi-level connectivity in the country. Such government initiatives to construct new airports and terminals to enhance air connectivity are expected to generate demand for new and advanced passenger screening systems. In this regard, in September 2021, Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) selected Smiths Detection to supply HI-SCAN 10080 XCT for hold baggage screening at Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport (ICN) as part of its Phase 4 Expansion Construction Project.
Also, airport managers are replacing the old systems for screening and scanning passengers with newer ones so that screening can be done more quickly and efficiently. For example, the Perth Airport started a project called "Passenger Screening Reform (CT Upgrade)" in January 2022 to update the infrastructure for screening passengers in all terminals. Under the project, the airport will install new body scanners, explosive trace detection systems, walkthrough metal detectors, x-ray machines, and secondary viewing stations with explosive trace detectors at its terminals to boost domestic and international aviation security. Such procurement is anticipated to accelerate the growth of the market.
