The Government funding is set to strengthen the UK’s aviation security standards, ensuring passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.

The new funding by the Department of Transport (DfT) is said to develop smart airport technology, enabling the relevant UK airports to stay ahead of potential security threats and reduce delays on site.

Economic growth 

According to the government initiative, the proposed funding will support new jobs and develop prospective employee skills across the country.

With the aerospace and air transport sector reportedly worth £20 billion within the UK economy, the new government funding is reported to bolster UK economic growth and deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.

The government states that in order to fulfil the initiatives set by the government funding programme, six British technology companies have received a share of £450,000 to produce the smart screening technology for UK airports.

Improving threat detection

From Tewkesbury to Cambridge and Nottingham – each of these companies will develop scanning equipment to improve threat detection and reduce the number of false alarms and manual checks, speeding up the screening processes and reducing inconvenience to passengers.

The organisation notes that alongside government funding, the programme will provide tailored business support workshops delivered by Connected Places Catapult in collaboration with the department.

These government funded workshops will provide advice and mentoring on issues ranging from technical matters, corporate finance, regulation, trial design, customer needs and more.

“Turbocharging investment”

Mike Kane, Aviation Minister, UK Parliament said: “Safety is our top priority and this funding will strengthen the UK’s already rigorous security standards, bolster our competitiveness internationally and ensure that passengers can continue to fly with ease of mind.

“As part of our Plan for Change, we are turbocharging investment in the aviation sector and going further and faster with expansion plans to kickstart economic growth and deliver high-skilled jobs across the country,” commented Kane.

The organisation highlights that the delivery partner for the programme Connected Places Catapult, has already successfully led a number of schemes for the department, including the Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme.

“Efficient, inclusive and safe”

Erika Lewis, Chief Executive Officer, Connected Places Catapult, said: “Making transport efficient, inclusive and safe is a key priority for Connected Places Catapult.

“By supporting innovators with ideas to further strengthen security at airports, not only are we helping to improve the passenger experience, but we are also supporting companies to develop and scale here in the UK,” finalised Lewis.

“Accelerate the development”

Sam Pollock, Director, Iconal said: “DfT’s HADeS innovation grant funding is a great example of government working with SMEs such as ourselves to accelerate the development of cutting edge technologies, supporting the UK’s world class aviation security industry.”