Works has began on a new BHX security area, as BHX officials state that “We are seizing this as an opportunity to improve our operation and, crucially, the customer experience we offer at BHX.”
Councillor Phil Bateman said today – “I am sure City of Wolverhampton residents will be interested to note that in this everchanging World. That Birmingham International Airport has started working to safeguard, and make even more secure, our City and the Black Country’s Gateway to the World. This Airport is our regional access to Global connections, for Business, and Leisure seekers, and commercial success for those that look to Global markets for commerce and business. Its interesting to note that in 2019 BHX were quoting that they were contributing £1.5 billion (£3,000 per minute) to the West Midlands economy, and supported 30,000 jobs in our region. I am sure that this new security standard being entered into by the Airport will be welcome and re-assuring for those that use this Airport from our City of Wolverhampton.”
Work is underway on Birmingham Airport’s new security screening area.
The new facility, being built within the existing terminal building, will result in a speedier, simpler pre-flight security screening process for customers.
UK Government requires all airports to be compliant with new standards by 1 June 2024, which is the completion deadline for the project, a total investment of more than £20m.
“We are seizing this as an opportunity to improve our operation and, crucially, the customer experience we offer at BHX,” said Al Titterington, Terminal Operations Director for Birmingham Airport (BHX).
“Installing our Next-Generation Security (NGS) system will deliver a speedier and simpler pre-flight screening process capable of serving significantly more passengers per hour at peak times.”
In its Master Plan published in 2018, BHX outlined its aspiration to grow customer volumes from 12m a year (pre-pandemic) to 18m a year by 2033.
The new and improved security screening area supports growth up to 18m passengers a year and beyond. This in turn will help drive economic growth in the West Midlands region*.
The airport’s contractors, Tilbury Douglas, began work on Tuesday (25 October 2022).
Initial steps include setting up site compounds before moving ahead with the project itself.
In recent weeks, BHX’s landside Burger King and Frankie & Benny’s eateries have closed to accommodate the new screening area.”