Smiths Detection wins contracts valued at more than AUD17 million to equip three Australian airports

Smiths Detection, a leading supplier of trace detection and x-ray screening equipment, has won contracts valued at more than EUR 10 million / 17 million Australian dollars, to supply advanced technology security equipment for three of Australia's major airports.

It will supply Sydney International Airport with fifteen fully integrated HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS checked baggage X-ray inspection systems. This new equipment is to be deployed as part of a large scale upgrade to the airport's security system. Delivery will start this month, with project completion scheduled by late October 2005.

The company will supply Perth and Cairns International Airports with trace detection equipment and Smiths Heimann X-ray inspection systems. In addition, Perth Airport has appointed Smiths Detection as its Preferred Equipment Supplier and ordered a number of Smiths Heimann 10080 EDtS automated X-ray inspection systems to upgrade its international baggage handling system.

As well as HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS equipment, Cairns Airport has also purchased HI-SCAN 10080 EDS systems for hold baggage screening and HI-SCAN 6040i systems for carry-on baggage, plus several Ionscan 400B explosive trace detection systems. This equipment is to be deployed as part of a large-scale upgrade to Cairns Airport's entire security measures.

Sydney International Airport has purchased the new screening equipment as part of a complete overhaul of its existing checked baggage screening systems. All of the EDtS systems provided under this contract, along with the airport's existing Smiths Detection passenger screening X-ray systems are to be networked through a centralised management system, known as the Heimann Management Console (HMC). This HMC will allow airport security management staff to configure and administer all of their security equipment from a single location, providing significant improvements in staff efficiency and effectiveness.

Hans Linkenbach, President of Smiths Detection International, commented: "In selecting Smiths Detection's EDtS X-ray system for baggage screening applications, Sydney International Airport now has one of the most complete and integrated security screening solutions anywhere around the world. Smiths Detection is excited about this project and looks forward to partnering with Sydney International Airport to create this major screening capability."

Perth International Airport has purchased the new EDtS technology to enhance significantly its scrutiny of hold baggage intended for destinations abroad, and to meet the Australian Government's requirement for local airports to implement the highest levels of aviation security possible.

Richard Gates, General Manager of Perth Airport said, "The selection of the Smiths Detection HI-SCAN EDtS technology further demonstrates Perth Airport's commitment to providing safe and secure airport operations. From early 2005, international departing baggage will be security screened using state-of-the-art equipment, offering a sophisticated, fast and efficient service."

Cairns International Airport has selected the new Smiths Detection screening equipment as part of a complete refurbishment of its existing passenger and hold baggage screening systems. This new baggage screening equipment is also going to be networked through an HMC.

In selecting the full complement of Smiths Detection X-ray and trace products for both baggage and passenger screening applications, Cairns International Airport will have one of the most complete and integrated security operations implemented to date. The Technology: The HI-SCAN 10080 EDtS is a fully integrated, high speed stationary tomography cabinet baggage X-ray inspection system that provides the highest level of detection capability for explosive materials and potential threat items, with the lowest rate of false alarms. The system is ideally suited for integration into the baggage handling systems of large airports, or for standalone applications in small airports. The multiple images generated by the EDtS provide superior X-ray images to operators, allowing a significantly increased capability to detect threat items and dangerous goods.

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