UK set to lift liquids ban at airports with new 3D tech

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday unveiled plans for all major UK airports to introduce ground-breaking new 3D cabin baggage screening equipment in order to eventually phase out the ban on liquids above a 100-ml limit through security.

The new 3D technology is said to use the most advanced imaging systems available in order to provide security personnel with better images of cabin baggage. 

This could mean in future passengers may be able to keep liquids and electrical equipment, like laptops and tablets, in their cabin baggage while it is screened. 

Once in place, the 100ml liquid limit may no longer apply and passengers could take liquids, like a bottle of water, through security.

"By making journeys through UK airports easier than ever, this new equipment will help boost the vital role our airports play in securing the UK's position as a global hub for trade, tourism and investment," Johnson said.

"We are home to the largest aviation network in Europe, with millions of people passing through our airports every year for work, holidays and family visits. We are set to streamline those trips with the rollout of this ground-breaking technology cutting down hassle for travellers and improving security measures," he noted.

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While the Heathrow Airport is currently trial testing the new 3D equipment to be gradually rolled out at other UK airports, passengers travelling through UK airports will have to continue to remove their laptops and liquids from their cabin bags for security screening until the equipment is fully in place. 

It is set to be rolled out over the next few years, with the UK Department for Transport requiring all major UK airports to have the technology by December 2022.

UK transport secretary Grant Shapps said: "The new screening equipment will improve security and make the experience smoother and less stressful for passengers. It could also mean an end to passengers having to use plastic bags or rationing what they take away with them.

"As an outward looking global nation, our transport hubs are more important than ever, and investing in our security infrastructure means we are investing in our nation's future."

Heathrow CEO John Holland Kaye added: "We are proud to be at the forefront of this new generation security equipment. This technology will transform the passenger experience, making air travel simple, streamlined and more secure through the UK's only hub airport."

The innovative new equipment may also have the potential to reduce the amount of time required for security screening and could significantly decrease the amount of plastic used at major UK airports, with passengers no longer required to put their liquids in plastic bags before being screened.

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