EU certification for colour X ray technology will see the end of liquid flight ban

Global technology innovator Kromek has received official European Union (EU) certification to provide colour x-ray liquid detection systems to all European airports.

By April 2011, liquid items bought in transit (i.e. duty free purchases) will be allowed on board, providing the appropriate security measures, such as screening, are in place at the airports concerned. The results of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC) led trials prove that the technology is ready to allow the 2011 regulatory deadline to be met by the airports. By April 2013, the ban will be lifted completely, allowing the carriage of liquids on flights across Europe.

Kromek’s Bottle Scanner has qualified as a Category B device, that has achieved Type 1 and Type 2 100% capability and been officially tested, verified and authorised by ECAC. As of now, all EU airports are free to buy and implement Kromek’s Bottle Scanner product.

“It’s a significant milestone for Kromek as the approved listing is vindication that colour x-ray detection has been proven,” said Arnab Basu, CEO, Kromek. “The next generation of X-ray technology has arrived, with a market ready machine that can detect liquid threats.”

Kromek’s revolutionary technology signals a new era in colour x-ray detection, and a market-changing development in aviation security. The company is introducing to the sector a truly pioneering form of detection, which has been likened to the advent of colour TV, from black and white, in terms of significance and market potential.

“To be named by EU regulators as an authorised provider of a revolutionary solution to one of the greatest threats to civil aviation currently is a major moment in Kromek’s history,” continued Basu.

“The threat from Liquid, Aerosol and Gel (LAG) based explosives became apparent in August 2006 following discovery of a plot to use such devices aboard multiple transatlantic flights. Although Kromek had not set out to produce such equipment we were quick to realise with our capabilities we had the versatility to produce a solution for this market need”.

Kromek’s verified and approved solution effectively guards against such a possibility. It is a major step forward in the fight against global terrorism where liquid is increasingly becoming a common tool for terrorist use and we are proud to be able to contribute to the national security.”

Basu concluded: “The next year and beyond is extremely exciting for us. Kromek will continue to see strong growth over the coming years as our innovative solutions to many previously intractable problems captures the imagination. Our groundbreaking technology not only provides products to the airline security market but has the opportunity for development into a range of products for many highly lucrative markets such as medical and industrial fields, where we are already beginning to get commercial traction”.