NEW YORK - L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Security and Detection Systems subsidiary has been chosen to provide a range of systems that automatically screen checked baggage for explosives to the following Mexican airports: Cancun, Cozumel, Huatulco, Merida, Minatitlan, Oaxaca, Tapachula, Veracruz, and Villahermosa.
The first phase of the rollout includes nine eXaminer 3DX(R) systems, four VIS 108 systems, and four VDS 108 systems.
The eXaminer explosives detection system (EDS) is a computer tomography (CT) system that is certified by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for automated explosives detection. The VIS 108 and VDS 108 use advanced technology (AT) screening systems for explosives detection. Both systems are accepted for use by the U.K. Department for Transport (DfT) and meet international and U.S. regulatory standards and criteria for the automated detection of explosives in aviation checked-baggage screening applications.
L-3 will install the nine eXaminer systems at Cancun International Airport, a major international airport that serves as the gateway to Mexico's Caribbean resort area. VIS 108 and VDS 108 systems will be installed at the eight remaining airports belonging to the Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR) group.
"L-3's business in the international market continues to expand, helping nations to meet the changing and demanding needs of airport security," said Thomas Ripp, president of L-3 Security & Detection Systems. "With our range of CT and AT products, L-3 can tailor solutions to specific airports, providing advanced explosives detection capabilities without compromising baggage throughput."
According to Mr. Ripp, the L-3 systems are scheduled to be operational in December 2005, enabling these six Mexican airports to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) January 1, 2006 security-screening deadline. The ICAO has mandated that airports within its member countries perform 100-percent checked-baggage screening for explosives.
