JFK Airport terminal installs 3-D scanner to improve explosives detection

The American Airlines Terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport recently installed a computed tomography (CT) checkpoint scanner that provides 3-D imaging for detecting explosives.

The scanner is similar to those used to scan checked baggage. It provides clear, 3-D images that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees.

Suspicious bags would then be inspected manually by a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer.

“Use of CT technology substantially improves TSA’s threat detection capability at a checkpoint.” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said. “This partnership will allow us to deploy new technology quickly and see an immediate said improvement in security effectiveness.”

In the next five years, passengers will no longer be required to remove anything from their luggage because of the improved technology, Pekoske said.

The TSA hopes to have 15 scanners installed by the end of the year and 240 in 2019.

The technology was previously installed at the American Airlines terminals at Boston’s Logan International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

American is committed to global aviation security, Darryl Towns, American’s regional director of government affairs for New York, said.

American has donated eight $300,000 scanners to the TSA.