A full body scanner has been installed at Perth Airport.

As a result of the Commonwealth Government’s airport security enhancement regulations, Perth Airport has introduced a full body scanner at its International Terminal.

The body scanner will be used to screen outbound passengers at the international passenger screening point, along with the traditional walk-through metal detectors.

Earlier last month a body scanner was installed at Melbourne Airport’s International departures terminal, implementing a random selection process for travellers.

Any person refusing to undergo a body scan without a valid excuse or medical condition will not be permitted to enter the departures lounge or board their flight.

Airport staff, pilots and cabin crew are not exempt from this rule.

“Body scanners add another layer of detection to the aviation security framework in Australia, and
Perth Airport welcomes its introduction,” Perth Airport executive general manager corporate affairs Fiona Lander said.

Body scanners are currently in use at airports around the globe including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Thailand and the Netherlands.

The scanners use radio frequency energy and not x-ray technology.

People’s privacy is not compromised as the scanners display a generic ‘stick figure’ image.

“The body scan does not add time to the screening process – the scan itself takes approximately two seconds, and the machine then takes a further few seconds to analyse the results,” Ms Lander said.