Hear industry leaders discuss how airports can balance security, passenger flow and workforce constraints today, while preparing for more automated and self-service checkpoint operations.
Airport security checkpoints sit at the centre of one of aviation’s most difficult balancing acts. Airports are being asked to accommodate rising passenger volumes, maintain rigorous security standards, improve the passenger experience and operate within increasingly constrained budgets, staffing levels and physical infrastructure. At the same time, advances in screening technologies, automation and digitalisation are creating new opportunities to rethink how checkpoints are designed and operated.
Each change solves one problem while creating another: relaxed carry-on rules can simplify the passenger journey yet increase alarms and secondary checks, and promising new operating concepts must still fit existing footprints and staffing models.
This panel examines how airports can evolve the checkpoint pragmatically, as a sequence of decisions rather than a single leap. Panellists will discuss what airport leaders are prioritising, where the operational trade-offs are hardest, how regulators and operators can move in step, and how ready passengers are for more automated and self-service journeys.
Attendees will gain a clearer view of the pressures reshaping checkpoint operations, lessons from trials and live operations, the questions worth asking before committing to change, and a realistic view of the road from today’s checkpoint to a more automated one.
The session will feature a 45-minute panel discussion followed by a live audience Q&A, offering valuable insights grounded in real-world experience.
What you will gain:
- A framework for weighing security, passenger experience and operational efficiency against workforce and space constraints.
- An understanding of how regulatory changes affect day-to-day checkpoint operations, and how to plan for that.
- Practical lessons from trials and deployments on introducing change without adding complexity.
- A view of how passengers and staff are likely to respond to more automated and self-service models.
- Questions to ask internally and with regulators when planning a phased roadmap.
- A realistic outlook on the checkpoint of the next decade, with a shared view of what to decide now.
See who is speaking on the webinar
Jan Skov, Head of Security, Billund Airport
Jan Skov is the Head of Security at Billund Airport with over two decades of dedicated aviation security and leadership experience. Having started his career at the airport in 2004 as a security employee handling surveillance and control, he advanced to Security Duty Manager (2005–2016) before stepping into his current role as Head of Security. He holds an Academy Profession (AP) Degree in Leadership & Management from Århus Erhvervsakademi.
Grounded in international experience spanning Germany, England, Ireland, Portugal, and Greece, Jan champions a management philosophy centered on trust, honesty, visible management, and individual motivation. He believes that high standards of service and morality go hand-in-hand, fostering a collaborative and respectful environment that optimises processes, social relations, and workplace wellbeing.
Cymoril Métivier, Global Digital Portfolio Director at Smiths Detection
Cymoril Métivier is Global Digital Portfolio Director at Smiths Detection, where she leads digital transformation across mission-critical detection solutions. Working at the intersection of innovation, technology, security and commercial strategy, she shapes the long-term digital roadmap for products that keep airports, borders, ports and public spaces moving safely, securely and intelligently. With deep expertise in digital product strategy, cyber-secure innovation, intelligent systems and global team leadership, Métivier turns bold digital ambition into customer value. She brings a 10-to-20-year view of the future, preparing organizations for tomorrow’s security challenges through smarter, safer and more connected detection technologies.
Dr. Jürgen Kappler, Portfolio Director Aviation & Critical Infrastructure
Dr. Jürgen Kappler is an accomplished leader in global R&D and technology management, with extensive experience in product development as well as program and project management. Over the course of his career, he has successfully guided international teams in delivering complex, high-impact innovations under demanding industry conditions.
His leadership is defined by a results-driven mindset and a strong ability to connect technological vision with operational execution. With many years of experience in driving global technology initiatives, Dr. Kappler offers valuable insights into how research, development, and innovation can address the evolving challenges of the aviation sector.
Yes – there is no charge to watch the panel discussion, either live or on-demand.
The webinar will take place on 17 November at 2-3PM UK time.
The panel discussion will become available to watch on-demand shortly after the live webinar takes place.
You’ll be able to ask the speakers your questions, which will be answered live in the Q&A towards the end of the session.
This panel discussion will last up to an hour.
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. We recommend using headphones if possible if you’re in an office environment.