TSA installs state-of-the-art body scanners at six Minnesota airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently installed the latest checkpoint screening technology at six different Minnesota airports over the past five weeks.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), an advanced body-scanning system, scans passengers for metallic and non-metallic items such as weapons and explosives. The new scanner is the second generation of AIT technology and features a smaller footprint than its predecessor.

Each unit is equipped with automated target recognition software that highlights specific areas on the body where concealed items may be hiding. To protect passenger privacy, the system creates a generic, computer-generated outline of the body that is identical for all passengers.

AIT utilizes millimeter waves to identify foreign objects on each passenger and meets all international health and safety standards.

In the last five weeks, the system has been installed at the Bimidji Regional Airport the Brainerd Lake Regional Airport, the Duluth International Airport, the Range Regional Airport in Hibbing, the St. Cloud Regional Airport, and the Thief River Falls Airport. TSA also announced its intent to install AIT at the Falls International Airport later in the summer.

“The addition of body scanners in the security checkpoints at these airports will upgrade the overall screening experience for passengers,” TSA Deputy Federal Security Director for Minnesota David McMahon said. “TSA is pleased to add this enhanced screening capability ahead of the busy summer travel season.”