Faster Security Process Comes to Toronto Pearson Airport

Published June 20, 2017 at 11:17 pm

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The security screening process at Toronto Pearson can be lengthy, but now, a new technology will hopefully allow travellers faster screening times.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has announced that new CATSA Plus technology will replace standard screening lines with higher-performance lines, aiming to build a seamless security process at Toronto Pearson.

CATSA Plus incorporates a boarding pass scanning system with eGates and tracking sensors in the ceiling, which aim to automate boarding pass validation, line entry, passenger distribution and the collection of wait time information.

According to CATSA, this also means less boarding pass scanning to expedite the security process. 

Parallel divest stations are also part of the plan, where up to four passengers can place their belongings in security bins at a time, and seasoned travellers can bypass the line.

In terms of the security bin X-ray procedure, photos will be taken of the bins, which will go through a continuous X-ray belt to reduce slowdowns, and screening officers will review the X-ray images remotely.

The remote screening officers will be able to reject bins and redirect them to a separate line for additional screening. 

Motorized rollers will automatically return the bins, eliminating the need for officers to manually perform the task.

Finally, more space will be added to the ends of lines so that passengers can repack their belongings without having to rush. 

The trial for CATSA Plus was conducted at the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport in August 2016, and the system was subsequently installed at Calgary’s new International Terminal in October.

CATSA Plus has been installed for flights to the U.S. at Terminal 1 at Pearson, and more screening lines are planned for installation at Pearson, and in Montreal and Vancouver, this year and next.

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