Waterloo Airport Gets New Screening Equipment

The Waterloo Airport is updating it's screening equipment, thanks to the TSA.

The Transportation Security Administration announced the deployment of the latest checkpoint screening technology to Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO).

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT-2) safely screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons, explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact.

“TSA’s job is to keep the traveling public safe. The use of Advanced Imaging Technology is another way to detect current and evolving threats, so we are pleased to deploy this AIT-2 unit to Waterloo.” - David Dailey - TSA’s Federal Security Director for Iowa .

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.

“On behalf of the City of Waterloo and the airport staff, I'm very pleased that TSA has selected Waterloo for the installation of this next-generation equipment. With the addition of this AIT-2 unit, Waterloo now has the most up-to-date screening equipment that TSA deploys.” - Airport Director Keith Kaspari

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 735 AIT-1 systems and 85 AIT-2 systems have been deployed at 215 airports. TSA started using Advanced Imaging Technology in late 2009.