BAA has unveiled a bomb detector machine which could result in shorter queues at airports and result in a relaxation of the one piece of luggage rule currently in force

Airline passengers may pass through security checkpoints more quickly as the machine automatically detects explosives in hand luggage.

BAA, s spending more than £20 million on the new machines, produced by the Smiths Group, to take advantage of a new facility called aTiX - Advanced Threat Identification X-ray. This detects explosive and liquids and as the if detected a red box appears around the suspicious area on an observation screen. The aTiX facility can scan a bag from several angles and provide clear images of the contents.

Heathrow will be the first aiport to host this new technology. initially just at Terminal 5, but will appear at all its terminals by spring next year and eventually at all its seven aiports including Glasgow, Stansted and Gatwick.

6 October 2007