A new terminal currently under construction at George Bush Intercontinental Airport just got the green light for new security technology.
This week, Houston City Council unanimously approved the funding for the new Mickey Leland International Terminal’s security equipment. The Mickey Leland International Terminal Project is part of the $1.43 billion IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program, or ITRP, which is expected to be completed by early next year.
This new IAH International Terminal will feature an International Central Processor, or ICP, with state-of-the-art technology in a 17-lane security checkpoint — among the largest in the country — as well as ticket counters and baggage claim.
“Houston Airports strives to get passengers through TSA Security in 20 minutes or less. Today, we meet that goal at Bush Airport more than 90 percent of the time,” Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports, says in a news release. “This investment in innovative technology will enhance our efficiency and ensure that our passengers have a world-class experience each time they visit our airports.”
Going through security at IAH is about to be smoother sailing. Rendering courtesy of Houston Airports
The funding approval came from two ordinances, and the first one appropriates $11.8 million from the Airports Improvement Fund to buy, service, install, and train staff on nine new automated screening lanes, called Scarabee Checkpoint Property Screening Systems, or CPSS.
Per the news release, each of these CCPS automated lanes “is capable of screening more than 100 additional people and bags/hour than existing equipment used today.” Currently, Terminal D’s TSA is using eight CPSS Lanes, so the additional nine lanes will bring the total to 17 lanes of security.
The other appropriates another $1.2 million from the Airports Improvement Fund to buy, install, maintain, and train staff on six new Advanced Imaging Technology Quick Personnel Security Scanners.
The new scanners, which don’t require the traveler to raise their arms, “is capable of screening more than 100 additional people/hour than existing equipment used today,” per the release.
“These new security screening machines are faster, have fewer false alarms and have improved detection rates, which creates a safer experience for our passengers and airlines,” Federal Security Director for TSA at IAH Juan Sanchez adds.
The Mickey Leland International Terminal originally opened in 1990 and is currently under renovation. Rendering courtesy of Houston Airports
