Latest hold baggage scanner ready for testing

Thursday 26 August 2021

The second 3D hold baggage scanner purchased as part of a £12m replacement programme has arrived in the island, with testing to commence shortly.

The second of two HBS scanners is has been installed in a recently-cleared area of the passenger terminal.

Up to £12m was set aside by the States last year to replace the current equipment - which has been in place since the terminal building opened in 2004 - with 3D technology. 

“The delivery of the second HBS scanner is another important milestone in the project," said Guernsey Ports’ Managing Director Colin Le Ray.

Pictured: Part of the western end of the passenger terminal was demolished in order to create room for the new scanners and conveyor system. 

He continued: "Extensive testing and commissioning of the second HBS scanner is now taking place by specialist contractors before passengers’ hold baggage items can be processed through the device. Testing and commissioning of the second scanner and connection of the baggage conveyors will begin shortly.”

Mr Le Ray anticipates increasing levels of air traffic again following the pandemic and has hinted at further changes in order to create additional capacity.  

“Now that funding for the second stage of the project has been affirmed as part of the Government Work Plan, the team is now exploring a range of options aimed at providing additional capacity to process more bags and items at a point when a recovery in air travel materialises,” he commented.  

“This may involve changes to the baggage hall at the western end of the Guernsey Airport passenger terminal.”

Pictured top: The second HBS Scanner is the same type as the first one, pictured, which arrived in June.