France’s VINCI Airports has collaborated with National French civil aviation agency DGAC to test new equipment that will streamline passenger security checks at Lyon-Saint-Exupéry Airport.

This new security equipment will simplify passengers checking process by eliminating the requirement to remove their electronic devices, liquids, gels and aerosols from their carry-on baggage.

The equipment that automatically detects explosives in cabin baggage is being tested at the airport since mid-January.

As part of the six-month trial, the partners implemented the new technology on two lines of BIP (Screening Inspection Station) as a priority to travellers on the airport’s Premium route.

In a statement, VINCI Airports said: “In addition to the security benefits of automatic searches for explosive materials in each baggage item, the new equipment tested makes it easier for travellers to pass through security checks without having to remove electronic devices and liquids/freezes/aerosols from their carry-on bags.

“In the long term, if it were to be generalised, this device could also make it possible to remove the restriction on the quantities of liquids, gels and aerosols authorised (100ml to date).”

VINCI Airports, a private airport operator, is also trialling liquid detection lines at its airports in the UK and Portugal.

The company operates three dedicated innovation centres of excellence at Lyon, Gatwick and Lisbon airports, where it develops technologies to enhance passenger experience without compromising safety.

In January this year, VINCI Airports and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) services at France’s Toulon Hyères airport.