EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - The Transportation Security Administration announced the deployment of the latest checkpoint screening technology to Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (EAU).
Advanced imaging technology (AIT) safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact. The unit deployed to EAU is a second generation machine with a smaller footprint, known as the AIT-2.
“TSA’s job is to keep travelers safe, and the use of advanced imaging technology helps us mitigate known and evolving threats," said Mark Lendvay, TSA’s federal security director for Wisconsin. “Passengers also will find this technology to be very user-friendly."
All AIT units have automated target recognition software, designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images while streamlining the checkpoint screening process. This means that the system generates the same generic image for all passengers.
“The Chippewa Valley Regional Airport is very excited to partner with TSA on this new screening technology for our passengers," said Charity Zich, airport director. “Local travelers will now experience the benefits of the same technology they experience at other airports."
Advanced imaging technology is equipped with millimeter wave technology, which uses harmless electromagnetic waves to perform a single scan. The technology meets all known national and international health and safety standards. In fact, these waves emit 10,000 times less energy than a cell phone call.
Currently, a total of 733 AIT-1 systems and 126 AIT-2 systems have been deployed at 258 airports.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
