Frankfurt Airport: Pioneering a new era in airport security with walkthrough security scanners

c: Fraport AG

Frankfurt Airport has established itself as a pioneer in aviation security by being the first in the world to regularly utilise walkthrough scanners for passenger checks. The deployment of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 air travel security system marks a significant advancement in how passengers experience security screenings. After a comprehensive test phase spanning approximately one year at Concourse A in Terminal 1, the German Federal Police have given their authorisation for the full-scale implementation of this innovative technology.

Enhancing passenger experience

The QPS Walk2000 system is designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind, revolutionising the traditional security check process. Unlike conventional scanners that require individuals to stand still in awkward positions, this state-of-the-art system allows travellers to walk through the scanner at a normal speed. This not only speeds up the screening process but also reduces the stress and discomfort often associated with security checks.

Approximately 18,000 departing passengers pass through this checkpoint daily, benefiting from the streamlined and user-friendly security process. Plans are underway to extend the use of this technology to additional security lanes within Terminal 1 and to deploy it in the new Terminal 3, further enhancing the airport’s capacity to handle large volumes of travellers efficiently.

Setting new standards

Alexander Laukenmann, Head of Fraport AG’s Aviation Division, expresses pride in Frankfurt Airport’s pioneering efforts: “We’re the world’s first airport to set a new standard of passenger security with this 360° walkthrough scanner. During the test phase, we worked closely with the German Federal Police to optimise its operation and pave the way for its certification. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience by using the latest technologies to make checkpoints faster and easier to navigate while upholding our high standard of security.”

Alexander Laukenmann emphasises the collaborative efforts involved in bringing this project to fruition, extending gratitude to the entire project team for their dedication and hard work.

Innovative collaboration

The success of the walkthrough scanner’s implementation is a testament to the effective collaboration between Fraport and the German Federal Police.

Andreas Hägele, who heads the microwave imaging department at Rohde & Schwarz, highlights the significance of this partnership: “The very successful joint testing and evaluation of the walkthrough scanner by the Federal Police and Fraport at Frankfurt Airport is an example of excellent collaboration by all of the involved parties. We’re very proud to be contributing to an advanced, innovative and globally new approach for screening passengers at airports.”

The scanner’s millimetre-wave technology is capable of penetrating clothing, while an avatar on the monitor pinpoints potentially dangerous objects in real time. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can focus on the specific indicated area instead of having to rescan the entire passenger, making the process more efficient and less intrusive.

Operational excellence and responsibility

As of 1 January 2023, Fraport has taken on the responsibility of organising, managing and operating the roughly 160 security lanes at Frankfurt Airport. This transition marks a new chapter in the airport’s operational landscape, with Fraport at the helm of ensuring efficiency and security at one of Europe’s busiest airports.

The German Federal Police continues to play a crucial role, defining general requirements relevant to aviation security, providing the necessary legal and technical supervision, ensuring overall aviation security, providing armed protection for checkpoints, approving new inspection equipment, and certifying and recertifying airport security screeners. This partnership ensures that while Fraport manages the operational aspects, the Federal Police maintain oversight and enforces the highest standards of security.

Investment in advanced technology

Since assuming responsibility for aviation security checks at Frankfurt Airport, Fraport has invested approximately €22 million to equip the security checkpoints with advanced CT technology and innovative lane designs. This significant financial commitment underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing security measures while ensuring a seamless passenger experience.

Looking ahead

The successful implementation of the QPS Walk2000 system represents a significant milestone in the evolution of airport security. As Frankfurt Airport looks to the future, the expansion of this technology to other terminals and its integration into the upcoming Terminal 3 promises to further elevate the passenger experience.

The adoption of walkthrough scanners is indicative of a broader trend within the aviation industry, where airports are increasingly embracing advanced technology to streamline processes and enhance security measures. Frankfurt Airport’s efforts serve as a model for other airports worldwide, demonstrating the potential for innovation to transform the way travellers navigate security checks.

Conclusion

Frankfurt Airport’s deployment of the walkthrough system is a testament to its commitment to improving passenger experience and setting new standards in aviation security. Through collaboration, investment in technology, and operational excellence, the airport is poised to continue leading the way in security innovation, offering travellers a safer, faster and more comfortable journey. As the aviation industry evolves, Frankfurt Airport stands at the forefront, shaping the future of air travel security for passengers around the globe.

c: Fraport AG

Alexander Laukenmann has been Senior Executive Vice President of the Aviation unit at Fraport AG since July 2019. 

Following his degree in business administration, Laukenmann began his career in 1997 as a credit analyst at Commerzbank AG in Frankfurt. In 2000, he joined Fraport AG, the operator of Frankfurt Airport, supporting the Group’s IPO process. Since then, Laukenmann has held various managerial positions within the Fraport Group, both in Frankfurt and for the Group worldwide. His roles included the position of Managing Director at Fraport Ground Services Austria GmbH in Vienna and at ICF Airports, the terminal operator at Antalya Airport in Turkey. In Frankfurt, he served as Fraport’s SVP for corporate development and sustainability. From 2016 until 2019, he was Managing Director of Hamburg Airport GmbH. In July 2019, he returned to Fraport for his current position.  

In addition to his degree in business administration, Alexander Laukenmann also holds an Executive MBA degree from the University of Nottingham.