Europe Baggage And Parcel Screening - Market Share Analysis, Industry Trends & Statistics, Growth Forecasts (2024 - 2029)

The Europe Baggage And Parcel Screening Market size is estimated at USD 0.94 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.28 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 6.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The market is expanding primarily due to the surge in criminal activities, the growing need for enhanced public surveillance, and an increasing demand for security screening in the private sector.

Baggage and parcel screening plays a pivotal role in security measures across European airports and transit hubs. Similarly, cargo screening is paramount in curbing illicit activities at seaports. Many European nations are ramping up security not just at airports but also at bus depots and train stations, responding to a surge in terrorist threats and crimes.

The uptick in air cargo utilization for swift goods transport is driving a parallel surge in the tech adoption of cargo screening at airports. Consequently, Europe has witnessed a notable uptick in deploying bomb-detecting tech and screening devices. European legislators have mandated 100% cargo screening for all outbound passenger flights.

While the European shipping industry expands, driven by containerization and globalization, it has inadvertently heightened security concerns for ports worldwide. This, in turn, is fueling the demand for security screening solutions in the transportation sector.

Integrating information technology into logistics and baggage management has significantly boosted service quality and operational efficiency at airports. Leveraging technologies like artificial intelligence and RFID further minimizes baggage mishandling.

In March 2023, the Royal Schiphol Group, managing Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, announced a collaboration with Pangiam, a security tech firm. Its goal is to pioneer a more efficient and secure hand baggage screening method powered by artificial intelligence. This innovation not only promises faster security checks for travelers but also ensures heightened safety. If successful, this technology could revolutionize hand baggage screening not just at Schiphol but across various airports.

Yet, certain screening technologies, like those involving X-rays or radiation, raise environmental and health concerns. This could lead to heightened scrutiny and potential restrictions, making screening systems more complex and costly, potentially impacting market growth.

Lastly, several EU countries and airport authorities are teaming up to establish dedicated air cargo terminals with advanced security protocols. This collaborative effort is poised to offer lucrative prospects for businesses in the baggage and parcel screening market. Furthermore, forging strategic alliances in the supply chain and partnering with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) could pave the way for sustainable growth for organizations.

Europe Baggage And Parcel Screening Market Trends

X-ray Technology Screening is Expected to Register Significant Growth in the Market Studied

• X-ray technology is extensively employed for baggage screening at airports, and its application extends to critical infrastructure facilities, including bus, train, and subway stations, embassies, government buildings, stadiums, museums, and hotels. The utilization of high-quality X-ray images is crucial for the effective detection of security threats and contraband. In addition, the implementation of dual-energy imaging enhances these capabilities by identifying threats based on their material type or atomic number.
• Several companies are actively providing X-ray imaging solutions tailored for baggage and parcel scanning applications. These solutions range from conventional checkpoint systems to advanced computed tomography systems. The current trend indicates a growing preference for detectors that can be easily customized to meet specific configurations, addressing the diverse requirements of different facilities.
• For instance, in April 2023, Prague Airport announced its intention to gradually upgrade the existing X-ray system at Terminal 2 with a more sophisticated one from 2024 to 2026. Starting in 2024, Prague Airport is expected to progressively introduce modern X-ray machines capable of scanning luggage containing liquids and electronic devices. This upgrade aligns with the potential relaxation of liquid transport regulations, which may allow a volume limitation of up to 100 ml.
• The baggage screening services in airports are anticipated to experience significant growth in demand in the coming years. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for air travel and the rising number of international tourists arriving in Europe. According to the World Tourism Organization (UN), the number of international tourist arrivals in Europe reached approximately 700 million in 2023, compared to 596.79 million in 2022. This substantial increase underscores the growing need for enhanced security measures and advanced screening technologies at airports and other critical infrastructure facilities.
• In conclusion, the adoption of advanced X-ray imaging solutions is becoming increasingly vital for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and facilities. Companies offering these solutions are focusing on innovation and customization to meet the evolving demands of the market. As the number of international travelers continues to rise, the importance of robust and efficient baggage screening systems cannot be overstated. The ongoing developments at the Prague Airport serve as a testament to the industry's commitment to enhancing security measures and adapting to regulatory changes, ultimately contributing to a safer and more secure travel environment.

Airports are Expected to Record a Significant Share in the Market Studied

• Airport security encompasses policies and practices that safeguard passengers, airport personnel, aircraft, and property from criminal activities, terrorism, and other threats. These measures, overseen by airport authorities, involve deploying screening devices at checkpoints and vetting air cargo. Typically, passengers must pass through these security screenings to reach the aircraft exit gates, located in what is known as the airside, secure, and sterile zones.
• Airports maintain multiple screening checkpoints to meticulously inspect cargo and baggage to prevent unauthorized items from entering. These procedures cover examining cabin baggage, holding baggage, freight, and even non-passenger individuals.
• The market's growth is primarily fueled by the rising adoption of airport baggage screening systems in European airports, all in the pursuit of bolstering passenger security. In line with European Commission mandates, all baggage screening in Europe must adhere to the ECAC Standard 3, leading to a surge in demand for compliant devices across the European Union.
• Moreover, as the region experiences a surge in passengers and enforces stricter security protocols, there is a rise in demand for advanced screening technologies in major airports. For instance, data from London Heathrow Airport reflected a steady climb in passenger numbers, from 5.99 million in January 2024 to 6.72 million in April 2024.
• The EU regulations currently restrict the volume of liquids passengers can carry on board, capping individual containers at 100 ml. However, advancements in baggage screening technology are poised to refine this regulation, enabling more efficient liquid detection.
• Illustrating this shift, London City Airport, situated in the heart of the United Kingdom's capital, made a significant move in April 2023. By deploying state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanners, the airport abolished its 16-year-old 100 ml liquid limit for cabin baggage. Passengers are now allowed to carry up to two liters of liquid and keep their electronics in their bags during security checks.
• Furthermore, some airports are proactively enhancing their security measures. In June 2023, Jersey Airport initiated a GBP 3.0 million (USD 3.75 million) project to introduce new baggage screening equipment. This upgrade not only aims to bolster security but also promises clearer imaging of cabin luggage, thanks to advanced imaging systems, potentially eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids and electronics.

Europe Baggage And Parcel Screening Industry Overview

The European baggage and parcel screening market is highly fragmented, with increasing competition among market players due to the growing demand for safety and security in various domains, especially in aerospace. Key players in the market include Smiths Detection Inc., Rapiscan Systems, Teledyne ICM, and Nuctech Company Limited.

• In April 2024, Smiths Detection revealed its provision of Belfast International Airport with cutting-edge technology. This includes the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX X-ray scanners for carry-on baggage and the iLane A20SC ATRS, an advanced automatic tray return system. Thanks to the HI-SCAN 6040 CTiX's 3D imaging capabilities, passengers can now keep liquids and large electronics in their carry-ons during security checks. Paired with the automatic tray return system, these technological advancements are set to redefine the airport's passenger experience. This initiative aligns with the UK government's directive to adopt computed tomography (CT) X-ray scanners.
• In March 2024, OSI Systems Inc. announced a USD 5 million order for its Security division. The order is for its 920CT baggage screening technology, destined for passenger checkpoints at a prominent European international airport. The move underscores the company's commitment to elevating the passenger experience through CT scanning technology.

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