American Airlines has announced from its headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas that it is entering into a joint venture with Analogic Corporation to expand the use of Computed Tomography (CT) at airports across the globe.

It is anticipated that the state-of-the-art CT technology when it successfully completes the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) certification and qualification process will present airport security officials with an improved form of detection.

The technology will enable the use of scanning equipment which works in 3-D and which will have a better chance of detecting threats contained in such items as PEDs, while increasing passenger throughput through the use of an upgradable CT platform.

Part of the partnership involves American Airlines purchasing multiple units of the Analogic ConneCT aviation checkpoint security screening system, also making it the launch customer for this breakthrough in checkpoint security which has features including an open network architecture, industry-leading 3-D imaging technology, and automated threat detection.

“At American, we are always looking at ways to invest in technology that enhances global aviation security while improving the customer experience,” Kerry Philipovitch, American Airlines Senior Vice President – Customer Experience said.

“We believe strongly in risk-based, intelligence-driven security protocols, which enable the aviation industry to identify, manage and mitigate risk. Our partnerships with the TSA and Analogic will transform aviation security by bringing state-of-the-art CT technology to the security checkpoint.”

“After a careful evaluation, American Airlines chose Analogic as its preferred supplier of Checkpoint CT based on several factors including image quality, airport-friendly design and ease of operation,” said Jim Ryan, Analogic senior vice president, security systems. “ConneCT is a culmination of ten years of checkpoint CT research and development and is positioned to be the innovative leader in the aviation security marketplace.”

The ConneCT screening system is currently undergoing certification testing with the TSA and will be installed at a checkpoint lane as part of a TSA Innovation Task Force initiative, when completed.