Summary
- Newark EWR airport upgrades TSA scanners with 3D explosive detection tech for improved security.
- New CT scanners in Terminal B offer 3D imaging, reducing bag checks and enhancing threat detection.
- TSA screens over 3 million people daily, preparing for increased travel volumes during the July 4th holiday.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has upgraded its TSA checkpoint detection scanners. As part of the upgrade, the airport has equipped the scanners with new 3D explosive detection technology to “improve explosives detection in time for the summer travel season.”
Improved threat detection
In preparation for the peak air travel season, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has installed eleven new computed tomography (CT) scanners in Terminal B at EWR airport. These CT scanners offer 3D imaging, allowing TSA officers to improve their explosives detection capabilities when screening carry-on items.
Photo: TSA
The new scanning equipment uses algorithms to detect explosives by creating a 3D image that can be rotated 360 degrees for thorough analysis by TSA officers. This technology provides clear images of a bag’s contents so that it can automatically detect explosives, including liquids, by taking hundreds of X-ray images as the conveyor belt moves.
However, the upgraded technology takes a few extra seconds for the TSA officer to view and rotate the 3D image for a better understanding of its contents. Usually, this allows them to identify items without opening the bag. Checkpoint CT technology reduces the number of bag checks, but if further screening is needed, a TSA officer will inspect the bag to ensure it does not contain a threat. Commenting on the upgraded 3D scanners at EWR airport, Thomas Carter, TSA’s Federal Security Director for New Jersey, said:
“TSA is committed to getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Our officers’ use of CT technology substantially improves our threat detection capability at the checkpoint. The CT technology applies advanced algorithms for the detection of explosives, including liquid explosives and other threat items.”
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The state-of-the-art tech is expected to be rolled out in airports across the United Kingdom, Europe and North America over the coming year.
Increased travel volumes ahead of July 4th
Typically, the TSA screens around 2.5 million people daily across the United States. However, since May 2024, the number of passengers being screened has risen by several hundred thousand per day. For the first time, TSA officers have screened over three million people at checkpoints in a single day.
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock
Commenting on the increased air travel volumes, Carter added:
“Here at Newark we already have seen a notable increase in checkpoint volume. We have been in close coordination with our airport, airline, and travel partners, and we are more than ready to handle this summer’s increased travel volumes as we head into the July 4th holiday travel period.”
In a latest statement, the airport authorities issued a travel advisory for June 28 and July 3, encouraging all travelers who use the airport’s facilities to plan ahead and consider additional travel time due to the lane closures or service changes.
It is also important to remember that our TSA officers are working throughout the summer, including the upcoming July 4th holiday, so respect TSA and other frontline airport and airline employees. Our officers along with all frontline airport and airline employees and local law enforcement, are working together to ensure safe and secure travel. Consider offering them a kind word of thanks.”
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