C3 Cabin Baggage Screening Technology

C3 cabin baggage screening was a UK Government mandate for all UK airports. Develop Consulting worked on an ambitious project to upgrade one airport’s security infrastructure to meet the deadline.

The Next Generation Cabin Baggage Screening (NGCS) project aimed to enhance security, simplify passenger screening processes, and improve throughput. This required integrating advanced computed tomography (CT) screening equipment and executing significant infrastructure upgrades to support new security lanes and optimise operational efficiency.

Develop Consulting provided project planning expertise, equipment installation and oversight of infrastructure changes to ensure the successful delivery of eight operational lanes one time. The final two lanes were completed ahead of the summer travel peak, reinforcing the airport’s readiness to handle increased passenger volumes.

• Regulatory Compliance: Eight passenger lanes operational and compliant on time, meeting government requirements for C3 cabin baggage screening.

• Peak Summer Readiness: Final two lanes delivered ahead of the summer travel peak, ensuring capacity for high passenger volumes.

• Enhanced Throughput: Stress tests validated throughput rates exceeding 900 trays per hour, with passenger scanners achieving up to 350 passengers per hour per scanner.

• Operational Efficiency: Average queue times halved during peak periods, improving passenger experience.

• Cost Management: £11.5 million project delivered within budget.

• Accreditation and Standards: Full 3PI accreditation achieved, setting a benchmark for operational excellence in UK airport security.

• Infrastructure Readiness: All building modifications and infrastructure changes completed, supporting long-term scalability and integration of advanced CT screening equipment.

The project faced significant challenges, including:

• A tight regulatory deadline for compliance with eight operational security lanes.

• Delivering two additional security lanes ahead of the peak summer travel period while minimising disruption to live terminal operations.

• Complex coordination among multiple stakeholders, including suppliers, architects and airport operations teams.

• Supplier capacity constraints as airports across the UK competed for resources, equipment and expertise.

• Maintaining live terminal operations throughout, requiring carefully planned phases to ensure uninterrupted passenger flow.

• Integrating advanced C3 equipment into the existing airport infrastructure while improving space utilisation and operational efficiency.

• Developing robust processes to optimise lane throughput and meet passenger demand during peak travel periods.

Strategic Project Management
Develop Consulting supported the client’s Project Manager with adaptive project plans that prioritised critical path items and aligned supplier schedules. Daily operations boards were introduced to track progress, identify milestones and mitigate risks.

Phased Delivery for Live Operations
The project was delivered in carefully coordinated phases, maintaining live terminal operations at all times. Workstreams were completed during off-peak periods to minimise disruptions and ensure a seamless passenger experience.

Comprehensive Design and Infrastructure Support
Collaborating with architects, our team designed optimised layouts to enhance space utilisation and passenger flow. Infrastructure modifications included building adjustments to accommodate the advanced CT screening equipment and support operational efficiency.

Rigorous Equipment Testing and Accreditation
We led the 3PI (Third Party Independent) accreditation process, ensuring full regulatory compliance for all security lanes and CT equipment. Stress tests delivered the highest total throughput achieved in any single UK terminal with C3 equipment.

Commissioning and Operational Integration
Factory and Site Acceptance Testing (FAT/SAT) was planned and executed with thorough snag-list resolution, ensuring seamless integration of new security lanes and baggage screening equipment into the airport’s operations.

Knowledge Sharing and Stakeholder Collaboration
We facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions with other UK airports, including Gatwick (LGW) and Edinburgh (EDI), incorporating best practices to drive continuous improvement in airport security and passenger experience.

Operational Readiness and Process Development
While not directly responsible for user training, our team provided strategic input on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and resource strategies to support operational readiness. KPIs were established to monitor performance and ensure sustained improvements.

Looking to enhance your airport security, reduce queuing times and elevate the passenger experience? Our expertise in delivering complex projects within live operational environments ensures your airport remains compliant and focused on exceptional passenger service.

Contact our team to learn how we can support your next project.