Airport screening fund to better detect explosives

The government has announced a £3 million fund to support innovative research to develop new ways of detecting explosive devices concealed in electrical items. Plans to revolutionise aviation screening will see companies bid for the funding by submitting proposals for original research in the field of concealed explosives or detecting whether electrical items have been tampered with. This can be either screening electrical items within bags at an airport’s central search area, or the use of more portable technology to screen items at other points in the passenger journey. When fit for commercial use, the technologies will help security personnel prevent terrorist attacks on aviation, while also improving the experience of passengers. The fund is being run as part of a wider multi-million pound initiative to deliver a step change in aviation security through Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS), a joint Department for Transport and Home Office programme. Security Minister, Ben Wallace said: “Aviation security is a government priority and one with an ever changing threat landscape. We need to embrace and encourage the talent from industry that will allow us to stay several steps ahead of those who wish us harm.”