Dubai: Smiths Detection, a security supplier to airports globally, expects to find out within weeks if it has secured a multi-million dirham tender at Abu Dhabi International’s Midfield Terminal Building (MTB).
It is bidding on two tenders at the €10.8 billion MTB complex, the checked baggage system and passenger screening equipment.
The company manufactures and supplies technology that identifies chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
Edward Christie, Middle East Managing Director, speaking by phone, declined to reveal the value of the tender bid. However, Smiths Detection won a similar tender for Doha’s Hamad International valued at €100 million.
Christie said the MTB tenders are similar in size to Hamad International but said “the scope is different.” He did not elaborate.
Logistical challenge
The MTB baggage system represents a logistical challenge for the winning tender. The system has been designed to process more than 19,000 bags per hour with over 22 kilometres of conveying lines and 10 reclaim carousels, according to Abu Dhabi Airports.
The tenders will be a five-year contract, involving equipment and training, and are expected to be awarded over the next four to five weeks, Christie said.
Abu Dhabi Airports could not be reached for comment.
For Smiths Detection, the tenders include supplying metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, trace detections system and cargo inspection equipment, Christie said. There is an option to extend the contract after the initial five years.
Airport security processes were ramped up across the world last week when the United States Department of Homeland Security issued a warning that airports serving direct flights to the US could be at threat.
Smiths Detection already provides security solutions to Abu Dhabi International’s US Pre-clearance facility that allows passengers to clear US immigration from Abu Dhabi. It is the only such facility in the Middle East.
Christie said “there is a great deal of work that is being done behind the scenes” between companies and government agencies around the world to fend off security threats.
