High tech upgrades at Avalon

206028_01

Domestic travellers at Avalon Airport will be able to have minimal contact with other passengers as they move through the terminal, following the installation of state-of-the-art touchless technology and new security upgrades.

Avalon has become one of the first airports in the nation to transition its security systems to using 100 per cent Computed Tomography (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.

Avalon Airport is also planning to install six new Elenium Automation check-in kiosks, where instead of touching screens or physical surfaces, passengers will be able to control and interact with the device from a safe distance using head movements.

Airport chief executive Justin Giddings said: “This means that going through security is a smoother exercise with less contact.”

“We’re always looking for ways to improve travel efficiency for passengers, while providing them with a safer and more seamless way of moving quickly through the airport.

“Eventually all airports Australia-wide will need to use this technology and we’re proud to be one of the first in the country to implement it fully.”

In addition to its security updates and touchless technology, Avalon Airport has renovated areas of its domestic terminal including the café, with further upgrades to be announced later this year.

“The new updates and renovations to the airport have created job opportunities for many Victorians,” Mr Giddings said.

“We have invested heavily on making improvements to Avalon Airport, while air travel has come to a standstill.

“We engaged several local contractors to help with the refurbishments to support our region’s local businesses and to ensure our staff remained employed during this tough time.”