AAI has placed an order for CTX 9800 DSi systems with a combined value of over USD 50 million with Smiths Detection. The first group of machines is expected to be installed in the second half of 2018.
“We are proud to have been selected by AAI through a global competitive tender process. Our mission at hand is to enable India’s airports to be future-ready while ensuring that they continue to be fully compliant with current regulatory requirements,” said Jerome de Chassey, Smiths Detection’s Vice President for the Asia Pacific region. Smiths Detection won the bid to install and integrate high-speed explosives detection systems (EDS) for hold-baggage screening at 11 sites across nine airports in India, including Chennai International Airport and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
AAI will implement ECAC Standard 3 screening of hold baggage at Level 1 for inline systems across the country, complying with regulations set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the regulatory authority for civil aviation security in India. Patrick Santillo, Minister Counselor of Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, said: “We are glad that AAI has chosen to work with Smiths Detection to deploy security technology solutions in India, bringing American advanced technologies to India for a win-win for both India and the United States. The U.S. Embassy and State, Commerce, and USTDA have been working together for over 10 years under the U.S.-India Aviation Cooperation Program to support India’s aviation industry expansion and modernisation efforts with best practices and cutting-edge technologies.”
Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman of Airports Authority of India, said: “India’s aviation sector is witnessing unprecedented growth and as we move towards the next phase of our development, we need to be well equipped and prepared to handle the challenges of tomorrow. We look forward to such partnerships to bolster long-term strategic and commercial aviation cooperation and opportunities.”
