Lufthansa Cargo Adds Container Screeners

Lufthansa Cargo, moving to meet new security requirements in the United States, is adding at three key gateways screening equipment capable of X-raying the entire contents of air cargo containers, the airline announced Friday.

Lufthansa is adding the Smiths Helmann imaging systems at its main cargo hub in Frankfurt, Germany, as well as in Munich and Johannesburg and will add the systems at other sites over time.

The devices can screen the entire contents of LD-3 containers, the most common container used on aircraft, so the airline does not have to unload individual shipments for screening.

“Not only does the new technology enhance security, it is also more efficient,” the airline said in a statement.

Lufthansa said the screening will help the carrier comply with the requirement that 100 percent of the cargo on passenger aircraft in the United States be screened beginning next August. The X-ray screening will also help the carrier in Europe, Lufthansa said, since existing requirements there that all cargo come from “known shippers” or regulated agents “will not necessarily apply in future.”