Brand New Kiwi Security Tech Showcased At Exhibition

News Release
For Immediate Release
October 19, 2005

Brand New Kiwi Security Technology Showcased At Airport Exhibition

Technology destined to revolutionise airport security techniques will be introduced at the Airports Council International exhibition in Auckland next month.

New Zealand airport industry manufacturers and suppliers will showcase their products and services to leading aviation professionals from around the world at the 15th ACI World Annual General Assembly and Exhibition.

Syft Technologies, a member of the New Zealand Airport Technology Suppliers (NZATS), will launch new security technology that can 'sniff' out minute molecules of explosives, drugs, animals or other illegal items.

Syft spokesperson Rebecca Bain says the exhibition is a great opportunity for her company to speak with international airport executives about how best to develop the new security technology.

"We've heard that in the US they haven't identified anyone going through airports since 9/11 that has been in contact with explosives. That just can't be true. It implies that the techniques and screening measures being used just aren't working or aren't identifying the problem.

"Our technology is capable of analysing the air around a person to instantly recognise any traces of explosives or other compounds. This particular application, integrating into an airport environment, is still under development. We hope to gain vital information from industry players visiting the ACI exhibition, about how best to use the technology to add real value to airport security infrastructure," Bain says.

Syft is also working alongside NZATS partner, Glidepath, developing the same technology to monitor baggage and cargo.

Glidepath, an engineering company specialising in airport baggage and cargo handling, believes the VOC technology could be just as useful for screening luggage as for people.

Spokesperson Margot Bowker believes international visitors to the Auckland exhibition will be surprised at the number of new companies working within the airport sector.

"New security technology is just one thing that will interest industry players. The level of technology coming out of New Zealand is right up there with the best in the world.

"The best thing about having this exhibition in New Zealand is NZATS members can showcase more products than often possible at offshore exhibitions."

NZATS member Gordon Caulfield of Bennett Mirror Technologies says while visitors will be wowed by technology, "good old Kiwi ingenuity" will also impress them.

Bennett Mirror Technologies, makers of DuraVision docking mirrors, claim while their product is relatively 'low tech', it is easy to install, works in all weather and allows self-parking of a wide range of aircraft.

"This conference and exhibition is extremely timely, for both New Zealand airport suppliers and international industry players, because of recently released ACI figures predicting a large growth in the number of people travelling.

"In light of this staggering growth ACI believes by 2020 passenger demand will surpass current airport infrastructure by about 1 billion passengers, resulting in heavy congestion and general deterioration in the quality of service at airports. Airports are going to have to expand, improve and explore new technology," Caulfield says.

"NZATS is well placed to offer both new and proven techniques, equipment and technology to help alleviate this growing international problem."

NZATS is a group of eight companies that specialise in the supply of technologies to airports around the world.

The group's ACI exhibition site will be set up as a 'virtual airport' showing off each of the companies products including mirrors, baggage trolleys, conveyor belts, security systems, furniture and other airport equipment requirements.

The ACI exhibition will be held alongside the ACI World Conference at the SkyCity Convention Centre from Sunday, November 6-8.

ENDS

NZATS is consists of eight companies specialising in the supply of technologies to airports. Members include Airport 20/20 (www.airport2020.com), Atrax Group Limited (www.atraxgroup.com), Bennett Mirror Technologies (www.duravision.net), Faulkner Collins (www.faulkner.co.nz), Glidepath (www.glidepathgroup.com), Mactec (www.mactecaerospace.com), Syft Technologies (www.syft.com) UFL Group (www.ufl.co.nz) and Visual Footprints.

www.nzats.com

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