Fraport gets go ahead for full-scale use of walk-through passenger scanner
FRANKFURT, Germany - Frankfurt Airport (Fraport) has become the first in the world to implement walk-through security scanners for regular passenger screening following a successful year-long trial. The German Federal Police have approved full-scale use of the Rohde & Schwarz QPS Walk2000 system at Concourse A in Terminal 1.
The new technology allows travelers to pass through security without pausing in a fixed posture. Approximately 18,000 departing passengers use the checkpoint daily, and plans are underway to expand the system to additional lanes in Terminal 1 and the new Terminal 3.
"We’re the world’s first airport to set a new standard of passenger security with this 360° walk-through scanner," said Alexander Laukenmann, head of Fraport AG’s aviation division. "During the test phase, we worked closely with the German Federal Police to optimize its operation and pave the way for its certification. This is part of our ongoing efforts to improve the passenger experience by using the latest technologies to make checkpoints faster and easier to navigate while upholding our high standard of security."
Andreas Haegele, vice president of microwave imaging at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “The very successful joint testing and evaluation of the walk-through scanner by the Federal Police and Fraport at Frankfurt Airport are an example of excellent collaboration by all of the involved parties. We’re very proud to be contributing to an advanced, innovative and globally new approach for screening passengers at airports.”
The QPS Walk2000 uses millimeter-wave technology to detect concealed objects, displaying findings on an avatar in real-time. If an alarm is triggered, security personnel can focus on the indicated area rather than conducting a full-body rescan.
Since assuming responsibility for security checks at Frankfurt Airport in January 2023, Fraport has invested approximately 22 million euros in advanced CT scanning technology and enhanced lane designs. The German Federal Police remain responsible for overall aviation security, including legal and technical oversight, armed protection at checkpoints, and screening personnel certification.
