TSA Announces Advanced Imaging Technology Deployments at Additional U.S. Airports

• Nov 16, 2011

The Transportation Security Administration announced eight airports which are set to receive recently purchased millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) units. The machines will be deployed with new automated target recognition (ATR) software designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images while improving throughput capabilities and streamlining the checkpoint screening process.

“This technology, combined with our many layers of security, gives our officers the best ability to detect and deter non-metallic threats,” said TSA Assistant Administrator for Security Technology Robin Kane. “In addition to improving security, advanced imaging technology continues to strengthen passenger privacy through the elimination of passenger-specific images.”

TSA plans to deploy units to the following airports in the coming weeks:

John Wayne Airport (SNA) Sacramento International Airport (SMF) Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Portland International Airport (PDX) Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) A.B. Won Pat International Airport (GUA) Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR)

TSA will make additional airport announcements as plans are finalized. Many factors are taken into consideration before AIT units are deployed including airport readiness and checkpoint infrastructure.

AIT is designed to enhance security by safely screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats—including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing. This technology has led to the detection of more than 300 prohibited, illegal or dangerous items at checkpoint nationwide since January 2010.

Imaging technology screening is safe for all travelers, and the technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, the energy emitted by millimeter wave technology is 1000 times less than the international limits and guidelines.

In September 2011, TSA purchased 300 millimeter wave units equipped with ATR, which are currently being deployed. Currently, there are more than 500 AIT units at nearly 100 airports nationwide. President Obama’s fiscal 2011 budget included the purchase of 500 units, and the President’s fiscal 2012 budget requests funding for an additional 275 units.