Liberty Defense has announced that its HEXWAVE system was selected by Palm Springs International, California to screen aviation workers as part of the new TSA Mandate on Employee Screening.

In April 2023, a mandate was issued requiring US airports to adopt physical screening procedures for employees with access to secure-side areas. 

The mandate was further reinforced by a US Court of Appeals decision denying the ability to delay the screening process.

All major airports will be required to deploy screening technology by April 2026 to meet the 100% screening mandate.

To implement screening for aviation workers, airports will need technologies that provide a broad range of threat detection that can meet the current screening requirements and those mandated for the future.

Security screening

Palm Springs International Airport, located just two miles east of downtown Palm Springs, California, covers 940 acres, has two runways and offers 30 nonstop destinations on 13 airlines.

In 2024, the Palm Springs welcomed more than 3.2 million passengers, two new airlines and multiple new air service launches.

The system selected by Palm Springs, through their security services provider, Veterans High Risk Security Solutions, HEXWAVE, uses millimeter wave, advanced 3D imaging and AI to detect concealed metallic and non-metallic threats and other prohibited items. 

The system allows for rapid, automated screening using a high-throughput, contactless, walkthrough portal to detect liquid, powder and plastic explosives, 3D printed ghost guns and other contraband that enhanced metal detectors on the market do not detect.

Airport security

“We are thrilled to partner with Veterans High Risk Security Solutions and Palm Springs Airport on their employee screening initiatives and we’re eager to expand our services in the region,” said Liberty CEO Bill Frain.

“There is a strong and growing interest in HEXWAVE among small, medium and large airport authorities to meet the worker screening mandate.

“The mobility, user-friendliness and effectiveness of HEXWAVE make it an ideal solution for airports aiming to meet TSA’s screening requirements.”