Waterloo Times

New Equipment Installed to Screen Checked and Carry-On Luggage

WATERLOO, IA – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has completed installation and certification of a stand-alone CT-80 X-ray unit. The unit is being used to screen checked baggage of travelers departing Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO). A similar machine is also in use at the checkpoint to scan carry-on baggage since July 2022.

Prior to the installation of the new X-ray unit, TSA officers screened all checked luggage departing ALO manually. By law, TSA is required to screen all checked luggage for explosives and other security threats that could be catastrophic on an aircraft.

“TSA never lost sight of its fundamental transportation security mission, whether we carried out our responsibilities with the assistance of technology or did so manually. The addition of the CT-80 X-ray unit represents another major milestone in security operations at ALO,” said Iowa TSA Federal Security Director John Bright. “This high-capacity upgrade ensures that TSA’s screening operations are efficient while delivering the highest level of security.”

The CT-80 unit generates a 3-D X-ray image of the contents of each checked bag. It is programmed to analyze the contents of the bag to determine if it is cleared for travel or contains a potential security threat that needs further inspection. TSA has an established process in place to further screen the bag and resolve any security threats. The X-ray unit is capable of screening up to 375 bags per hour at full capacity.

“On behalf of the City of Waterloo and the Airport Board, we would like to thank the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration for their significant investment for the installation of the next-generation security equipment at Waterloo Regional Airport for both passengers and their checked luggage,” said Keith Kaspari, Director of Aviation for the City of Waterloo.

RSVP for media demo this weekLocal and Area Media are invited to see this new technology in person at a demo. Iowa TSA Federal Security Director John Bright and Keith Kaspari, City of Waterloo Director of Aviation, will be on hand to provide interviews at Waterloo Regional Airport on Thursday, Feb. 9 at 10 a.m.

Original source can be found here.