Airports get hi-tech X-ray machines

A new X-ray screening machine that can automatically detect explosives and liquids in passengers' hand luggage is to be introduced at the UK's main airports, it has been announced.

In a 10-year deal worth at least £20 million, BAA is replacing all existing X-ray screening systems for hand luggage at its seven UK airports with the new aTiX system from Smiths Detection- part of the Smiths Group.

The system, standing for Advanced Threat Identification X-ray, is designed not only to combat terrorism but improve journey times through airports for passengers.

BAA's seven UK airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

This is the first time new X-ray technology has been deployed at UK airport checkpoints for a decade.