Qantas has been testing new X-ray scanning equipment which would be able to scan laptops while still in passengers’ bags, although it is not likely to be rolled out soon.
According to a report in The Australian, the airline has been trialling a new multi-view topography X-ray machine in Sydney which does not require laptops to be removed from their bags for security screening as is currently required. Qantas says it has received positive feedback from passengers, and it believes that if the technology were adopted it could speed up the security screening process.
Qantas has not yet committed to bringing in the new X-ray equipment, and it is expected that it may take some time as it has not yet been approved by the Office of Transport Security. The OTS has refused to comment on the trials, citing the caretaker mode that it is currently in due to the impending federal election.