A new high tech X-ray machine is set to be introduced at seven UK airports .
The Advanced Threat Identification X-ray (ATIX) system automatically detects explosives and liquids in passengers' hand luggage by taking multiple views of a bag in the same time a current X-ray machine is able to take a single view.
It will replace existing X-ray machines at all BAA's UK airports, including Gatwick and Glasgow, from March next year and is also set to be used in Heathrow's new Terminal Five, which opens on 27 March.
The new device is will mark the first time new X-ray technology has been used at UK airport checkpoints for a decade.
It will be used alongside a new automatic tray return system, which speeds the movement of non-threatening bags and diverts suspicious bags down a separate channel for further investigation .
The ATIX system is designed to combat terrorism and shorten journey times through airports for passengers, according to its developer Smiths Detection, although it declined to give insight into how the system automatically detects explosives and liquids – adding it will remain a trade secret.
In a separate security move, Heathrow Airport will soon have a total of 4,000 security officers operating at its five terminals, with a BAA spokesman said.
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