Air cargo screening systems detect explosives and contraband disguised in cargo and are deployed at airport checkpoints. These solutions help security authorities secure airport infrastructure against safety breaches while also ensuring the smooth functioning of the global supply chain, which boosts the country’s economic prospects through aviation services. In recent years, the boom in e-commerce owing to internet shopping has increased air freight traffic. This is expected to boost demand for enhanced screening systems at airports capable of processing a wide range of commodities. Furthermore, as the need for air cargo develops, certain airports across the world are constructing specialised air cargo terminals, which are expected to fuel demand for air cargo screening systems in the coming years. The aircraft cargo business is a major target for terrorist operations, and recent attempts to export explosive materials have raised concerns and resulted in tighter screening standards. Airport authorities throughout the world have been forced to invest in bomb detection equipment due to the increased threat of terrorist-related activity.
Because of the increased risk of explosive-based attacks, airport authorities have increased their use of technology such as X-rays to reduce the chance of such attacks. High installation and maintenance costs are expected to hinder industry growth. Security screening system technological advancements may be considered a market investment opportunity. Airport security measures have gotten stricter as the frequency of security hazards and the smuggling of forbidden items throughout the world has increased. Integration of new technologies allowing screening equipment to maintain safety while increasing airport operational savings is also expected to drive market growth.
National and international traffic has been impeded as a result of the lockdown implemented in many countries, which has severely harmed the supply chain of airport cargo screening systems worldwide, hence exacerbating the supply-demand mismatch. As a result, a lack of raw materials is anticipated to restrict the manufacturing pace of these systems, affecting market growth. The primary function of aviation cargo security screening systems is to detect explosives and illegal drugs. Airport authorities throughout the world have installed cutting-edge security technology to detect bombs in cargo and trace drugs in big and tiny pallets of merchandise.
Airport authorities have expanded their usage of technology such as X-rays in recent years to reduce the chance of such attacks due to the rising risk of such attacks. Security solutions’ high installation and maintenance costs may hinder the adoption of airport cargo screening systems. Furthermore, increased concerns among airport regulatory agencies, such as supplier privacy concerns, may hinder screening system installation.
Due to a rise in the frequency of security concerns and the smuggling of restricted goods throughout the world, stringent airport security rules are projected to provide appealing development potential in the airport passenger screening systems market. Furthermore, the use of current technology that allows screening equipment to retain safety while increasing airport operational economies is expected to fuel market growth.
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America make up the market’s five regions. Asia-Pacific leads the world in passenger and cargo volume, prompting greater investment in aviation security. Economic growth and increased demand for global commerce to and from this region have boosted worldwide air cargo traffic, resulting in an improvement in the security infrastructure associated with it. Many of the world’s largest and most efficient freight carriers are based in Asia. Boeing expects that regional aviation freight traffic will grow at a 5.5% annual rate over the next 20 years. In addition to rising air cargo traffic and the construction of new airports, Asia-Pacific is investing in cutting-edge technology such as cargo-screening systems based on neutron and X-ray radiography.
North American air freight traffic is at an all-time high. This, along with rigorous air cargo security requirements in the United States such as the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, National Intelligence Reform Act, and Homeland Security Appropriations Act, is boosting the region’s need for air cargo security screening systems.
Europe is a strong and mature market, with annual revenue tonne-kilometres (RTKs) predicted to increase by 3.5% over the next 20 years. Air cargo screening systems are widely employed in the region due to large trade volumes, which are expected to support the growth of the regional air cargo security screening market. Air cargo traffic RTKs are predicted to grow at 5.9% and 6.1% CAGRs in the Middle East and Africa, respectively, during the next 20 years. Significant infrastructure development investments are being undertaken in the Middle East, with the purpose of constructing new airports and terminals in the region’s key freight hubs.
Recent Development
In 2022: Smith’s Detection Inc. has secured a deal with Falcon Group to supply sophisticated detection systems for holding luggage, passenger checkpoints, and cargo screening at Egyptian airports. To boost airport security, the deal calls for the provision of X-ray scanners, trace detectors, and people screening devices. The contract was for GBP 19 million (USD 23.48 million).
In 2021: Smith’s Detection Inc. signed a USD 20 million deal with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to deliver CTX 9800 explosive detection equipment for baggage screening at major US airports