Following new Government security rules, passengers travelling through Manchester Airport's Terminal 2 may be body scanned as part of the airport's normal security procedures from noon on 1st February 2010.

Manchester Airport, which has been trialling a Rapiscan Secure 1000 scanner in Terminal 2 since October 2009, is one of two airports that have been directed by the Government to introduce the technology today. Additional scanners are also planned for Terminals 1 and 3 by the end of February.

Since the incident on an airliner bound for Detroit on Christmas Day, the UK Government has been working closely with airport authorities to develop additional security measures including introducing body scanners at larger airports.

The new security rules on body scanners, which are being introduced in addition to the current security procedures, make it mandatory for any passengers who are selected for a scan to participate. These include:

Passengers who have requested a private search prior to or after passing through the walk-through metal detection equipment.
Passengers who have been referred for a private search following an unresolved metal detection alarm or if the security officer believes that further investigation is required following completion of the hand search process.
If explosive trace detection equipment causes an alarm to sound, or if vapour detection equipment has caused an alarm.
Any passenger can also be selected at random without regard to personal characteristics for a scan.

Under the new rules, any refusal to be body scanned will result in passengers not being allowed to travel.

"We understand that compulsory body scanning is a big change for customers who are selected under the new rules. We know privacy concerns have been on our customers' minds which is why we have put strict procedures to reassure them that their privacy will be protected", said Manchester Airport's Head of Customer Experience, Sarah Barrett.

"We've been at the forefront in the development of imaging technology for UK airports and feel we are well placed to introduce this relatively simple, safe and straightforward security process. It will enhance security for everyone, which can only be a good thing, without compromising people's privacy. The image generated by the body scanner cannot be stored or captured nor can security officers viewing the images recognise people. Contrary to reports, the equipment does not allow security staff to see passengers naked".

Previously, under 18's were not allowed to participate in the body scanner trial at Manchester Airport. However, the Government has confirmed as part of the new rules that this exemption no longer applies.

Manchester Airport is providing passengers travelling through Terminal 2 with detailed information about the introduction of body scanners. The same information is also available on its website alongside video footage illustrating the process.

ENDS

Manchester Airport has been conducting a trial of "imaging technology" (also known as body scanners) in Terminal 2 since the end of 2009. Following a security incident on Christmas Day on a flight to Detroit, the aviation industry and their respective governments have discussed additional measures.

From February 1^st 2010, additional Government legislation came into operation at this airport. Any selected passenger who refuses to use the scanner will be denied travel.

This latest advance in aviation security has the potential to replace the familiar "pat down" searches including the need to remove coats, jackets, shoes and belts.

We regularly hear that passengers don't like undergoing a personal search by security staff but they understand that it's a necessary part of keeping them safe. Imaging technology offers a potential alternative.

How does it work?

Imaging technology (Rapiscan Systems' Secure 1000 Single Pose) works by bouncing x-rays off an individual's skin to produce an outline image of the person's body, which is then used to detect concealed, potentially dangerous objects.

This image is transmitted to a remote security officer who has no visual or verbal contact with the area where the imaging machine is located. The security officer viewing the image then electronically confirms if the passenger can proceed or whether a search is required.

The process is entirely anonymous. We can assure you that contrary to popular misconception, imaging technology does not allow security staff to see you naked. The video below shows how the process takes place:

Will you be able to recognise me from my image?

The image produced is a black and white, ghost-like outline of an individual's body without any distinguishing features such as hair or facial features, making it impossible to recognise people but simple to detect concealed threats.

How can you guarantee my privacy?

Images are transmitted to a standalone computer where they cannot be stored or captured after the passenger volunteer has passed through the imaging technology.

All security staff involved in the operation of the imaging technology trial will be prohibited from carrying mobile phones or cameras. To enforce this, every member of staff will be searched before beginning their shift.

Is it safe?

The equipment is approved by the Health Protection Agency. Each full body scan of the Secure 1000 produces approximately 3 microREMs of emission. This is equivalent to the exposure every person receives each five minutes from naturally occurring background environmental radioactivity.

Isn't it illegal to make an image of a child?

On Friday 29^th January 2010, the Department for Transport issued a directive under the Aviation Security Act 1982 relating to Body Scanners. This relates to Heathrow Airport in Terminal 4 and Manchester Airport in Terminal 2 where the scanners are currently in operation. Any selected passenger, including under 18s, who refuses to use the scanner will be denied travel.

Will Children be forced to use the Scanner?

The use of Body Scanners is compatible with the Protection of Children Act 1978 and we are confident the introduction of these scanners is a proportionate and necessary step in enhancing security for passengers.

The Government directive authorising the use of body scanners by airports does not exempt children because this would undermine the effectiveness of these new security measures.

All Airport staff viewing the images will have already undergone a criminal record check which includes checking for offences against children.

Do I have a choice ?

If a passenger, once selected for a body scan refuses, they will not be permitted to travel - this may seem harsh but our overriding concern is the safety of passengers and staff alike. Security staff operating the body scanner are able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have about the process so please don't be afraid to ask.

Will I be exempt on religious grounds?

All passengers, if selected, must use the body scanner in order to be allowed into the departure lounge.

Who will see the image ?

Only the security guard screening the image and it is deleted as soon as it is screened. The security officer viewing the images will be prevented from carrying mobile phones, cameras or any other recording device.

What if I want my image viewed by someone of my sex?

Passengers modesty and privacy is protected by extensive safeguards - for example the person viewing the image will not be able to see the person being screened.

I am transgendered

As the person viewing the images cannot see who is being screened the passengers modesty and privacy is not breached.

MAG, the Manchester Airports Group, has today announced that its long serving Group Chief Executive, Geoff Muirhead CBE, will retire later this year.

Geoff, 60, who has been with MAG for 22 years, oversaw the construction of Terminal 2 and the second runway, which is the only full length civil aviation runway to be built in the UK over last 50 years, as well as overseeing the acquisition of Humberside, East Midlands and Bournemouth Airports to form the largest British-owned airport operator in the UK.

"Geoff has led MAG through its development as a well-invested, award winning Group whose airports hold all of the major travel industry awards for 2009," said Chairman Mike Davies.

"He has been a hugely positive influence both within the Group and the industry. His decision to retire comes during a year when I expect aviation to recover from the unprecedented effects of the global recession and by the time Geoff hands over, MAG will be well-placed to take full advantage of the upturn.

"Whilst we lose his services as Group Chief Executive later this year, we anticipate that Geoff will continue his relationship with us by acting as an ambassador for the Group within the industry".

Commenting on his decision to retire, Geoff said: "By the end of this year, the economic recovery is forecast to be well established making it the right time for me to stand down. I anticipate my legacy to the new Group Chief Executive to be taking responsibility for a healthy, prosperous business working with a World-class team".

The process to appoint a new Group Chief Executive will begin shortly. The precise date of Geoff's leaving will be confirmed following the appointment of his successor, which is likely to be towards the end of 2010.

Separately, MAG is also announcing today the appointment of Stuart Chambers, Vanda Murray, David Partridge, Councillor David Goddard as Non-Executive Directors to the Group Board. Councillor Goddard joins as a shareholder nominated Director following the retirement from the Board of Lord Peter Smith.

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, MAG's majority shareholder, said: "MAG is a tremendously important business to the North West therefore it is vital to ensure a smooth transition as Geoff embarks on his final year as Group Chief Executive. He has made a tremendous contribution to this region and I'm sure that he will continue to do so for the rest of his tenure.

"I would also like to welcome the newly appointed Non-Executive Directors to MAG's Board. I am confident that they will make a significant contribution to the future development of the business."