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Advanced Technology Trials

The Australian Government has recently completed trials of new ways of detecting weapons, explosives and other prohibited items. Some of the technologies that were trialled are also designed to detect explosives in liquids, aerosols and gels carried by passengers on civil aircraft.

This is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen aviation security using advanced technology.

Here are the main points about the technology trials:

They were carried out at Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney airports from mid-October to the end of November
Participation was voluntary
Nearly 70,000 passengers took part in the trials.
It was estimated that screening would take about as long as existing security screening procedures. Data from the trial will determine if this is correct.
Depending on the airport, participants either stood in a body scanner for a few seconds as an alternative to walking through a metal detector, or if additional screening was necessary, participants may have had the option of standing in front of a body scanner, rather than undergoing a pat down.
Carry-on baggage was screened using an X-ray device that also had an explosive detection system.
Passengers were randomly selected to have any liquids they were carrying tested for explosives.
Some of the advanced screening technologies trialled are already in use in the United States, Canada and Europe.
All testing is done in accordance with strict health and safety guidelines
Participants' privacy is protected

Further information, answers to frequently asked questions and downloads are provided in the related links menu to the right.

We would appreciate your feedback on the trials if you have participated in them or would like to comment on them.