Jason Wakefield, Sales Director, Todd Research discusses how he works closely with clients to understand their screening challenges and the importance of designing systems that support effectiveness, reliability and operator confidence.

Can you introduce yourself and your role at Todd Research?

I am a former member of the British Army with over 30 years of counterterrorism and security experience.

Currently employed as Sales Director at Todd Research, I bring a strong background in leadership, strategy and known for my hands-on approach and strategic vision.

My focus is on the growth of Todd Research focusing on safety, customer needs and operational excellence which continues to drive my commitment to protecting people and assets.

What feedback do you hear most from clients about the biggest pain points in inflight supply screening, and how do you approach these?

A recurring theme we hear from clients in the inflight supply sector is the persistent tension between speed and accuracy.

Airlines, caterers and ground handling teams all operate under extremely tight timelines, where even small delays in screening can create ripple effects throughout the network.

A few minutes of delay at one checkpoint can lead to postponed departures, rescheduled flights and logistical headaches that impact multiple teams across an airline’s operation.

These pressures make inflight supply screening one of the most sensitive areas where operational efficiency and security requirements intersect.

From our perspective, addressing these challenges isn’t just about providing better technology; it’s about optimising the entire ecosystem.

On the technology side, scanners and detection systems need to be fast, reliable and intuitive so that operators can perform their tasks quickly and with confidence.

But the human element is equally critical. Operators are on the front line of screening and their skills, alertness and confidence directly affect both safety and throughput.

That’s why operator-focused features, simplicity of design and targeted training are just as important as the hardware itself.

In practice, we’ve found that the combination of robust, high-performing equipment and well-prepared, confident operators is what prevents bottlenecks and ensures that both security and operational efficiency are maintained.

Clients often highlight that while equipment can be upgraded or replaced, human performance is a key differentiator in daily operations.

For this reason, our solutions are designed to support operators at every step.

From ergonomic design to real-time alerts and guidance features, every aspect is crafted to make the screening process smoother, faster and less prone to error.

Moreover, ongoing training ensures that operators not only understand the equipment but also feel supported and empowered to handle unexpected situations.

The goal is always to create a system where technology and human expertise complement each other, rather than compete.

How do you make sure that your customers stay ahead of changing compliance requirements?

Compliance is another area where our clients often face significant pressure.

Aviation security regulations are continuously evolving in response to new threats and global regulatory shifts.

For operators and management teams, keeping pace with these changes can be daunting.

Falling behind isn’t just a technical risk – it carries reputational and financial consequences as well and can disrupt operations if teams aren’t prepared.

At Todd Research, we see part of our role as bridging the gap between regulatory complexity and operational reality.

We monitor regulatory developments closely and translate them into practical guidance that is directly applicable to day-to-day operations.

It’s not enough to simply notify clients of a new rule; we work alongside teams to understand how changes impact workflows, operational priorities and risk management practices.

Training is a critical component of this process.

By providing targeted, practical training sessions, we ensure both operators and management teams gain the knowledge and confidence needed to integrate new requirements without operational disruption.

In this way, we help clients remain compliant while keeping their focus on the core tasks that drive efficiency and passenger satisfaction.

How do you see the inflight supplies screening market evolving in the next 2-3 years and how is Todd Research preparing for this?

Looking ahead, we expect the inflight supply screening market to continue evolving rapidly over the next two-three years.

Technological innovation, changing regulatory landscapes and increasing operational demands will drive this evolution.

We anticipate a stronger emphasis on faster, smarter screening processes where accuracy, efficiency and ease of use are all essential.

To prepare for these shifts, Todd Research is concentrating on three core areas:

1. Innovation: We are continually advancing screening technologies to meet the growing demands of the industry. This includes improving scanning speed, detection capabilities and user experience. Our goal is to provide tools that not only meet today’s needs but are adaptable to tomorrow’s challenges
2. Collaboration: Effective solutions emerge from working closely with clients and partners. By engaging directly with operators, airlines and caterers, we ensure that our tools are not only technologically advanced but also practical and effective in real-world conditions. Feedback loops and iterative development help us refine our solutions so that they integrate seamlessly into operational workflows
3. Support: Technology alone isn’t enough. Comprehensive training, guidance and ongoing support remain central to our approach. New tools and processes are only valuable if teams can use them effectively and our focus is on equipping clients with the skills and confidence to do so

In short, the future of inflight supply screening will demand adaptability, foresight and a deep understanding of operational realities.

By staying closely aligned with industry trends, maintaining a focus on both technology and human factors and providing continuous support, Todd Research aims to help clients navigate change successfully while maintaining high levels of security and operational efficiency.

This article was originally published in the October edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.