Edinburgh to introduce antimicrobial security tray technology

Edinburgh Airport is to add antimicrobial technology to the security tray return systems at its security checkpoints.

It notes that implementation of antimicrobial technology from Leidos complements other measures it is taking to minimise the spread of bacteria in the airport.

This is Leidos’ first order of the antimicrobial security tray technology introduced to mitigate the spread of bacteria from person-to-surface contact.

“Edinburgh Airport’s leadership recognises the increased risk of the virus spreading from the number of travellers and staff handling security trays every day, and I commend them for implementing antimicrobial security tray technology,” said Maria Hedden, senior vice president and operation manager for Leidos’ Security Detection and Automation Operation.

“Leidos is proud to support the place where Scotland meets the world with security detection and automation technology solutions that are fast, frictionless and fully integrated.”

Edinburgh, the second busiest airport in Scotland and sixth in the UK, remains operational during the coronavirus pandemic, with airport officials enacting plans to safeguard the health of its staff and the travelilng public while preparing for global travel recovery.

Working with Leidos since 2012, Edinburgh Airport utilises the company’s intelligent automated tray return systems as well as desktop real-time explosives detection systems.

Under the contract, Leidos will provide new antimicrobial security trays that prevent reproduction of a broad spectrum of bacteria, including staphylococcus aureus (staph), E. coli, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA and VRE, by 99.99%.

The antimicrobial technology is built into the security tray during Leidos’ tray manufacturing process and continuously minimises the presence of microbes throughout the security tray’s lifecycle.

The antimicrobial security trays must be cleaned according to normal hygiene procedures, but the additive will not wash off or wear away. The use of antimicrobial technology is important because studies have shown that microbes can survive on surfaces for up to eight weeks.