In the COVID-19 era, public spaces such as airports have undergone a restructuring process, whereby it is being tried to introduce touchless technologies that prevent people from touching as many surfaces as possible. Let’s see what Milan Linate has done in this sense and what other technologies have been implemented at Milan’s city airport.
The Face Boarding technology
Face Boarding is an experimental project that aims at allowing passengers to pass through security checks and boarding gates through an innovative system of facial recognition.
This way, passengers don’t have to reach for their passports or boarding passes, reducing the number of times they touch surfaces with potential viruses on them. Moreover, this technology allows a more efficient and fluid boarding process, getting rid of crowds and lines at security checks or boarding gates, fostering social distancing.
This new technology is in an experimental phase until the 31st of August 2021. During this time, Face Boarding is available to all passengers flying Alitalia from Linate to Roma Fiumicino (LIN-FCO).
EDS-CB machines with CT technology
This new technology has just landed in Linate, and it will replace the traditional X-ray technology to scan hand luggage.
Every traveller has experienced endless and prolonged lines at security checks once in their lifetime. The slowness derives from the fact that everyone has to open their carry-on baggage to take out PCs, tablets, and, of course, the beauty case, with creams and liquids of various type, rigorously less than 100 millilitres.
These endless lines are now a distant memory for Linate’s passengers. Milan’s city airport is the first airport in Italy to introduce this technology and the first in Europe to use the ESD-CB machines to scan the totality of hand baggage. The main advantage of this innovation is that it makes security checks far more efficient. Indeed, this technology can automatically recognise explosives, and, thanks to its 3D images, security personnel can work rapidly and efficiently. However, the most exciting news for passengers is that they don’t have to worry about liquid quantities anymore. Indeed, these machines are capable of detecting explosives in liquids regardless of their quantity. So, next time you fly out from Linate, feel free to bring with you your favourite shampoo, body cream, or your favourite beverage.
This technology allows efficient and accurate security checks, which are always the top priority at airports. Simultaneously, EDS-CB machines reduce waiting times and the possibility of crowding, an aspect that has become more and more important in the last months because of the pandemic.
Linate and innovation
Milan Linate airport, managed by the company SEA – Società Esercizi Aeroportuali, has been investing in innovation for years. For the time being, Linate is working on a project to equip the airport with antiviral copper coatings. Indeed, copper is well-known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties.
All surfaces that are the most at contact with passengers – handrails and handles of various types – should be covered with copper. The University of Pisa has shown that in 60 minutes, the viral load of the Sars Cov-2 is 100% neutralised, while in 10 minutes, it is diminished by 90%.
Do you find EDS-CB machines to be a helpful innovation? Let us know in the comment below!
