Heathrow Security Checkpoints

on this page

Markets

Defense 
Location

UK
Client

Heathrow Airport Limited

Sam Whitehead

Principal consultant, London, United Kingdom contact form+44 20 3214 8919

We're working with London's Heathrow Airport to implement important changes to security to comply with new UK Government regulations. We're also helping the operator maximise its operational efficiency and improve passengers' experience, so it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever.

Cutting-edge technologies are being introduced at airports in the most significant upgrade of security equipment in 20 years. But the regulatory changes requiring more security checks for passengers, could mean extra space, more staff, and additional time are needed to perform security checks.

Reconfiguring floorspace in a confined environment is challenging, and there are a diverse range of systems and stakeholders that contribute to the smooth running of the airport so their requirements must be considered as part of any transformation process. In addition, Heathrow has some of the UK's most valuable retail space so allocating more of it to the security function has commercial implications.

Additional security checks could also result in longer waiting times for passengers and airport operators must adhere to strict standards for queue times to avoid paying a fine. That means disruption must be minimised and not just for travellers - operations at Heathrow are of critical national importance.

To help the airport achieve regulatory compliance and limit the impact the changes have on airport operations we:

Led trials of new equipment and gathered data to support decision making

We worked with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) and the Department for Transport (DfT) to conduct trials on the feasibility of using new technologies and processes to screen passengers and their hand luggage as they transition from landside to airside. We captured data on the time it took people to move through the security hall, and on how well the new equipment performed. We ensured the right amount of data was collected as quickly as possible to minimise disruption and the costs of the trial. Our approach at Heathrow has informed the trials being conducted at other airports nationwide.

Used innovative digital tools to help people visualise the changes

The data from our trial was used to create a simulation tool that helped people understand the impact of implementing the new technologies in a range of scenarios. Decision makers could predict, visualise, and quantify the effect they would have on their operations. That enabled them to select the right combination of processes and technologies to meet their goals. It also gave people confidence in the decisions that were being made.

Assessed space and resources

This was particularly important because of the limited space and resources available to make the upgrades to security. The evidence from the simulation confirmed that more space and staff members were needed to comply with the new legislation and a new approach would be required if compliance was to be achieved cost-effectively. We proposed an innovative equipment layout and a technology-enabled flexible resourcing model to help the airport operator deploy security officers where they're needed in high demand areas at peak times.

We conducted a proof-of-concept trial to demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. The results were used to create a security check point of the future - one that provides appropriate protection, maximises performance, minimises resources, and balances the need for additional space with commercial considerations. The optimised checkpoint reduced the requirement for more space by 40% and generated potential savings of £30m a year, compared to deploying new technology in the existing configuration.

Airport-wide changes to security

We're implementing the changes in the terminals and across the wider airport. The new security regulations apply to anyone that is moving from landside to airside, so that includes staff members, airline crew, cargo, construction and catering companies. We're working with Heathrow's operator to understand how the new security technologies could be implemented on the perimeter of the airport. For example, what facilities may need to be upgraded and how new security processes will affect vehicle control posts and the wider supply chain.

The Atkins team have led us to improve the way we capture operational data, improved our engagement with Security Officers, professionally challenged our assumptions about the way we work, the outcome we expect of the project, and the route to take.

Katy Van Den Dries

Programme Manager - Security Programmes, Heathrow Airport Limited

We're also advising Heathrow on the procurement of the new equipment and putting in place the appropriate maintenance and support contracts, which involves navigating COVID- and Brexit- related delays and challenges. Our team will then be responsible for testing, commissioning and installing the technology and supporting services.

Downloads

Delivering borders of the future

PDF, 4.4MB

Security Automation Software

PDF, 3.6MB

View all downloads

Trade releases

View all trade releases

The security check point of the future

Sam Whitehead

The Atkins team have led us to improve the way we capture operational data, improved our engagement with Security Officers, professionally challenged our assumptions about the way we work, the outcome we expect of the project, and the route to take.