September-October 2022 - 22

COVER STORY
Multiplexing enables a flexible ratio of
operators to security lanes so resources
can be optimized to meet demand and
operational objectives.
lanes are distributed equally. Multiple
operators can examine X-ray images
simultaneously, removing the need
to pause conveyor belts during the
inspection process and ensuring the
most efficient use of equipment. Staff
could also be deployed more flexibly
and moved between different locations
depending on whether there
are busy peaks, delivering significant
cost efficiencies.
The networking concept can be
applied to groups of nationwide airports,
linking hundreds of checkpoints
to a central analysis facility. Smaller
airports could become part of one
network with all
image analysis
handled off-site - and international
networking is also possible.
Remote screening is not yet widely used
for airport passenger checkpoints but it
promises significant efficiency benefits for
major airport hubs.
The Next Big Disruptor:
Open Architecture
As digital networked solutions for aviation
security advance, airport security
systems will naturally become more
connected. However, connectivity is
predicated on the interoperability of
systems - more simply put, the ability
of systems and platforms of different
vendors to " talk " to one another. This
is open architecture (OA).
The integration of different vendor
devices such as tray return systems
and X-ray equipment into one intelligent
system is already an established
feature at many airports, and the use of
open data formats, such as the Digital
Imaging and Communication in
Security (DICOS) standard, will in
time allow the import and export of
X-ray images and other relevant data
from a range of different equipment.
OA also allows security authorities
to incorporate new security and
technology components into their
screening systems through 'standard
interfaces,' which means different
systems can work in tandem. With
OA, different fleets can be enhanced
with the most up to date software to
take advantage of new technologies,
such as AI, to boost security outcomes
and meet new security threats
and regulations. Indeed, a more integrated
and open network of security
systems would enable airports to share
richer data insights more easily and
more effectively collaborate to detect
security threats.
22 \ AIRPORT BUSINESS / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2022
Manufacturers, such as Smiths
Detection, are actively engaging with
airports, regulators, and other aviation
industry stakeholders in various
projects to inform the development of
a common set of standards to ensure
that OA can be deployed in a way that
maximizes its benefits and does not
compromise screening data or system
effectiveness. This includes exploring
how " open " open architecture systems
should really be to allow for flexibility,
as well as how combinations of screening
systems with algorithms would be
certified, compliant and cyber secure.
Close industry collaboration will be
key to ensuring open architecture platforms
operate safely and compliantly.
Protecting that
which Protects
With an increasing move towards
data-driven solutions, remote processes
and enhanced connectivity
to improve efficiencies, there is a
greater risk of cybersecurity vulnerabilities
and attacks. As set out
by IATA's report, Air Transport
2040 and Beyond, cyberthreats are
likely to grow in sophistication, with
the potential to compromise entire
aviation networks. It is critical that
the systems underpinning the global
aviation network are secured to the
highest level. Across aviation security
systems, there is a vast amount of
sensitive data that is collected, from
hold baggage screening (HBS) devices
to passenger and carry-on baggage
September-October 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September-October 2022
