Shannon Airport has expanded its airport security team to bolster its commitment to providing an easy passenger experience.
Nine new recruits have received their official certificates after completing an intense training course in airport security.
The new Airport Screening Unit (ASU) officers have undergone training, which includes how to operate the airport’s multimillion euro state-of-the-art 3D x-ray screening system.
The high-tech system has in-built explosive detection software, that eliminates the need for passengers to separate liquids and electronics from their cabin bags. Shannon is the first state airport to introduce this new technology which halves the time spent going through screening.
Since March this year, the airport has recruited a total of 19 ASU officers to add to its existing team. The new recruits hail from Limerick, Clare, Galway, Lithuania, Poland, and as far away as Bangladesh and New Zealand.
The newly certified officers have been put through their paces during the training process, which includes both classroom based and practical learning, followed by final examinations and certification by the Irish Aviation Authority.
ASU training covers a wide range of areas including, hand search of cabin baggage and of the person, screening of vehicles, identifying prohibited items, screening inflight and airport supplies, as well as customer service, reduced mobility, and familiarisation training in the airport’s special needs programme.
“We are committed to making our passenger’s journey at Shannon Airport, as easy as possible. The new recruits have undergone intensive training in all aspects of airport security to prepare them for this extremely important role, as we continue to invest in our screening process,” said John Francis, Shannon Airport’s head of security.