b'24 BGR|SDFBAGGAGETSA-Funded Projects are Underwayfor Targeted Improvements toChecked Bag Inspection Systems BY JODI RICHARDS Several dozen airports throughoutBangor International Airport (BGR)Maintenance and the United States are in variousin Maine finished a host of piecemealConstruction Projects stages of planning or execution toimprovements under the program thisSupervisor Mike improve select components of their checkedspring. The fast-growing regional airportWorcester.bag inspection systems. The catalyst forhas a single-line system that divertsLooking ahead, this broad initiative occurred in 2019, whenbaggage into two screening lines withWorcester says these TSA engaged industry partners to conductexplosives detection system machines,improvements will an initial gap analysis of airport capabilitiessending suspicious baggage into thebenefit the airport forMIKE WORCESTERrelative to its planning guidelines andchecked baggage resolution area roomyears to come. If we expand beyond a design standards. Based on the insightsand then back to a single line that ends insingle line system, the ATR [automatic tag gained through this initial gap analysis,the make-up area.readers] will be able to send data to the TSA established the Checked BaggageRecent upgrades include anti-fatigueappropriate piece of sorting equipment Inspection Remediation program in 2021flooring, noise-reducing wall and ceilingand sort baggage for the airlines.with the intent of carrying out a variety of 13tiles, scan guns in the checked baggage safety, security and efficiency improvementEquipment installation and facility resolution area, and automatic tag readerrenovation started in October 2023 and projects at 198 potential airports.scanners before the explosives detection wrapped in late March 2024. Most of the As of this July, 62 of those 198 airportssystem machines. Beyond adding newwork occurred after-hours to minimize had signed memorandums of agreementequipment, the project implemented adisruption to operations. Contractors with TSA to participate in its remediationnew round-robin approach to screeninggenerally began working after the last flight programa key requirement to receivingthat creates more even use of thedeparted at night and continued until TSA federal funding for the needed fixes. Underexplosives detection system lines.opened the baggage handling system for the agreements, TSA covers the cost ofWe can accurately track baggagescreening at 3:00 the following morning. equipment and installation; participatingto ensure the safety of passengers and airports are responsible for ongoingWorcesters team assisted the employees alike, says BGR Buildingremediation team with project logistics maintenance. November | December 2024AirportImprovement.com'