In late October, Kaunas Airport initiated the installation of state-of-the-art aviation security scanners and advanced baggage handling systems. By November, all three CT scanners in the departures area will be fully operational, with testing scheduled for December. Starting in January 2024, departing passengers will enjoy the advantages of this cutting-edge technology.
However, during the installation process in November, passengers at Kaunas Airport may encounter some short-term inconveniences.
The international public procurement conducted by Lithuanian Airports for the deployment of next-generation aviation security scanners and baggage handling systems, dating back to 2022, has been awarded to the Polish company Dimark S.A., with a total contract value of EUR 5.8 million (excluding VAT). The winning company will install X-ray equipment from the renowned German manufacturer, Smiths Detection, at Lithuanian airports.
Due to existing infrastructure limitations at Vilnius Airport, it is not feasible to install the new generation aviation screening equipment in the old terminals of Vilnius Airport. Instead, this technology will be implemented in the new departure terminal at the capital’s airport and is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2025. A total of 7 baggage screening lines and scanners will be replaced at Vilnius Airport.
According to Lithuanian Airports representatives, the new standard scanners and baggage handling lines will enhance passenger throughput, providing passengers with greater convenience and reducing stress during the security screening of carry-on items.
One notable feature is that electronic devices can now remain inside the luggage.
The deployment of third-generation (C3) three-dimensional computed tomography security scanners represents the latest advancement in aviation security screening, which is already in use at several European airports.
“We are taking a significant stride towards technological innovation and are the first Baltic airports to implement this solution. A major change for passengers will be that starting in January next year, at the aviation security checkpoint in Kaunas Airport, there will be no need to remove electronic devices from hand luggage. Instead, these devices, along with other items, will be scanned and analyzed in three dimensions using our new-generation scanners, all without the need to remove them from suitcases or backpacks,” stated Vidas Kšanas, Head of the Safety and Security Department of Lithuanian Airports.
The Lithuanian Airports network comprises three airports in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga. Kaunas Airport (IATA: KUN, ICAO: EYKA) is the second busiest civilian airport in Lithuania, following Vilnius Airport.
