Carole Levy
Domestic travellers at Avalon Airport will enjoy a new experience as they pass through the airport when flights recommence once border restrictions are lifted.
With the installation of state-of-the-art touchless technology and new security upgrades, chief executive Justin Giddings says that Avalon users will have minimal contact with other passengers as they move through the terminal.
“Avalon has been using the COVID-19 downtime to continue with planned upgrades,” Mr Giddings says. “In fact, the cancellation of flights during this period has actually meant the work could be done far more quickly.
“We’ve become one of the first airports in the nation to transition its security systems to using 100 per cent CT technology, with the installation of a new Rapiscan CT scanner, body scanner and checked baggage screening (CBS) machine.”
The zero-contact security body scanners automatically detect potentially dangerous items carried on a person’s body or in clothing.
The CBS machine and the CT scanner create three-dimensional images of baggage, providing security personnel with a clearer view of the contents – which means passengers will be able to leave laptops in their bags.
The airport is also planning to install six new touchless Elenium Automation check-in kiosks where, instead of touching screens or physical surfaces, passengers will be able to control and interact with the device using head movements.
“The partnership between Elenium and Avalon demonstrates how quickly a response to the COVID-19 virus can be implemented,” continues Mr Giddings. “This solution lets passengers go through the self-service experience without touching a device – a seamless, intuitive and safe method of moving quickly through the airport.”
Avalon Airport has also enhanced areas of its domestic terminal, including the café and lounge areas – all with the objective of creating an easier and safer experience for passengers throughout the airport.
“We’ve invested heavily on making improvements to Avalon while air travel has come to a standstill. And, significantly, the new updates and renovations to the airport have created job opportunities for many Victorians.”
Avalon Airport, 80 Beach Road, Lara. Inquiries: 5227 9100 or www.avalonairport.com.au
