Istanbul's Atatürk Airport improves in security measures with new device

Istanbul's Atatürk Airport has started using a new generation explosives detection system known as ClearScan on a trial basis.

The high-throughput explosives detection system is capable of detecting solid, liquid or layer explosives and is designed to meet new regulatory and operational requirements for screening cabin bags.

It was installed in response to the recent security measures adopted by the U.S. and U.K., banning all electronic devices except mobile phones in flights originating from some specific countries.

Installations of the first of the two devices were completed last month after they were procured by the Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs, and Communications. After a short training program for the security officers, who will use the device, it was deployed for checking hand luggage on Turkish Airlines (THY) flights to the U.S. boarding.

It scanned to detect electronic devices, liquids, and other prohibited substances. Passengers to the U.S. expressed their satisfaction with the system as it prevented time loss prior to the flight.

Manufactured by the U.S.-based L3 Security Systems Company, this tomography device will improve passenger and airway safety.

The device is manufactured under the ClearScan brand and is approved by both U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) can detect a bomb in the water as well as in electronic devices.

Capable of doing more than 500 scans a day, it meets a critical need with a low false alarm rate. The device automatically marks and alerts if any explosive substance is detected in any kind of baggage, electronic product or the scanned object.

The device reflects the image of the scanned objects on the 3-D screen and enables the operator to rotate, approximate and strip certain objects and examine with the touch screen.