Innovative security technologies sought by Government for deployment in aviation sector
A £2 million competition orchestrated to help unearth new ways of safeguarding air passengers has been announced by the Government’s Future Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) team. The joint Home Office and Department for Transport team has launched a competition through the Centre for Defence Enterprise (CDE) as part of its wider FASS programme, which is worth a total of £25.5 million until 2021.
Suppliers are being asked to develop truly innovative technologies, with a focus on people security, baggage security and cargo security. Ultimately, the technologies and approaches identified should help to detect the widest possible range of explosives, weapons and other threats that could be taken on board an aircraft, while at the same time limiting any inconvenience caused to passengers or delays around cargo operations.
Lord (Tariq) Ahmad, Minister for Aviation, said: “Keeping passengers safe is our absolute priority. The threat to aviation security is continuing to evolve and we must remain both vigilant and a step ahead with our response. The recent UN Security Council resolution on aviation security, which was championed by the UK, has called on States to promote new technologies and innovative techniques. Through this competition, we’re investing in research to raise screening standards and helping to create a more secure transport system.”