PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 21, 2006--GE Security (NYSE:GE), the leader in Computed Tomography-based (CT) checked baggage screening for aviation in Europe, today unveiled a first-of-its-kind vision for transforming the traditional airport passenger security checkpoint. The "Checkpoint of the Future," presented in Europe for the first time, is expected to help make air travel safer, security less costly and the passenger experience faster at airport checkpoints.
GE Security plans to use its leadership in CT-based baggage screening in Europe and its extensive research and development capability to create a regionally focused Checkpoint of the Future concept. It is hoped that this concept will improve the effectiveness of checkpoint security, through application of new technologies and checked-bag-like automation, to reduce the total cost of ownership for governments and airport operators across Europe. At the same time, the passenger experience is expected to significantly improve, becoming much faster and more convenient.
Advanced technologies of the Checkpoint of the Future lab are currently on display at Passenger Terminal Expo 2006 in Paris, where key airport and airline industry decision makers are seeing them in Europe for the first time. GE Security is also introducing its latest trace detection portal, the EntryScan4, which is expected to be a component of the Checkpoint of the Future.
"GE's vision for the airport passenger checkpoint of the future calls for much improved security, whilst also providing a much improved experience for European passengers," said Edwin de Wolf, general manager, GE Security's homeland protection business in EMEA. "We are in discussions with major airports for establishment of the region's first Checkpoint of the Future laboratory -- a complete, real-world security lane to test and prove security technologies in line with emerging EU passenger screening regulations. We hope to be able to make a deployment announcement soon."
"Advanced explosives detection is currently only in widespread use for screening checked baggage, which leaves carry-on luggage and passengers mostly untouched by these technologies," said Matthew Farr, senior homeland security analyst, Frost & Sullivan. "As the market leader in explosives detection, GE Security has shown again its ability to put forth advanced technologies, which will help secure commercial airline traffic around the world."
The Checkpoint presents a variety of custom configurations to suit the individual needs of airport authorities based on three emerging technologies not in current use for passenger screening operations. These include millimeter wave and quadrupole resonance for scanning passengers and their shoes for the presence of threat objects, as well as computed tomography (CT), already used extensively for screening of passengers' checked bags, to be used for screening carry-on items.
In December, GE Security's first checkpoint laboratory was created at San Francisco International Airport. This lab offers the opportunity to evaluate advanced technology solutions, which the company believes will help secure commercial airline traffic in the United States. In addition to this installation, GE Security plans to establish a similar lab in Europe to examine such technologies in that region's unique circumstances.
Ultimately, it is the hope of GE Security to use its Checkpoint of the Future to present real-world security solutions to operators of aviation security systems around the world for their consideration.
About GE's Security Business
GE's Security business is a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) focused on communication and information technologies for security, safety and lifestyle enhancements. GE Security has operations in more than 30 countries and is represented by some of the best-known brand names for intrusion and fire detection, access and building control, video surveillance, explosive and drug detection, key management and structure wiring.
GE Security was recently named Frost & Sullivan's 2006 Company of the Year for Homeland Security. For more information about GE Security and our products, please visit http://www.gesecurity.com.
Contacts
GE Security
Steve Hill, 510-857-1132
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or
APCO UK
Caroline Reed, 44-20-7526-3600
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APCO Belgium
John Mandeville, 32-2-645-9811
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BRIGHAM SCULLY
Tom Brigham, 818-716-9021
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