25 May 2020: In an attempt to push the common International standards and set an example to other airports, Heathrow airport has installed thermal screening technology at Terminal 2. This technology makes use of camera detection systems capable of monitoring the temperatures of multiple people moving through the airport. Passengers will be alerted to this through the signage placed at immigration hall and the leanings from these trials will be shared with the UK government. Passengers can be rest assured that no personal data will be stored or shared through these trials.
Currently this technology is placed only at Terminal 2, if successful it can be expanded across the airport into departures, connections and colleague search areas to further stress test its capabilities.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said, "We welcome the Secretary of State for Transport's 'air bridge' proposals to allow trade to continue between destinations with low COVID-19 risks. To unlock the full benefits of aviation for the economy, a Common International Standard for health screening must be agreed by the global authorities - and the technology we are trialling now could be a part of this solution."
Apart from these, not just the employees, but everyone at the airport is supposed to wear a face mask on arrival. Also the airport has made provision of over 600 hand sanitiser stations, enhanced cleaning regimes, prominent signage featuring government health advice, perspex barriers for frontline contact points and social distancing reminders.
"As one of the world's great trading nations, the UK should take a lead in setting a global plan to reopen borders, when it is safe to do so. This will help protect millions of British jobs that rely on aviation, but are currently at risk." he further added.