Smiths Detection wins contract for automatic baggage inspection systems at Senegalese Dakar Airport

Smiths Detection, the world's leading provider of X-ray and trace detection equipment, today announced it has been awarded a contract by Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar Airport (LSS) in the West-African nation of Senegal to deliver its HI-SCAN 10080 2is system for the automated detection of explosives in passenger baggage.

The contract calls for several HI-SCAN 10080 EDS 2is, which will be fully integrated into a state-of-the-art baggage handling system. Installation is scheduled to be completed by July 2005.

The HI-SCAN 10080 2is is primarily designed for integration into Level-1 of the so-called multi-level process, in which it handles all detection and analysis functions unassisted by operators.

In 2003, Dakar International Airport also was the first African airport to take delivery of the Smiths Detection Sentinel II explosives detection portal. These increased security measures, soon including an automated baggage inspection procedure for the detection of explosives and other hazardous materials, form an important part of the refurbishment at Dakar. LSS is one of the busiest airports in West-Africa handling many trans-Atlantic and European flights, and which is setting a standard for security that will provide a benchmark throughout the African continent.

Leopold Sedar Senghor Dakar Airport is member of the Agency for Air Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA). Being the first member to specify automatic baggage inspection equipment, Dakar Airport will be a point of reference for all airports of West Africa and beyond.