Air Cargo Security and Screening System Market Analysis

Market Insight- Global Air Cargo Security & Screening Systems Market

Market Overview

Air cargo security and screening systems are equipment used for viewing parcels that are shipped through flights. These systems secure containers against incoming materials such as drugs and explosives and offer high-level security for cargo. These systems allow screening and identification of parcels containing chemicals and other liquid substances, as some chemicals can be hazardous to passengers. Furthermore, air cargo security and screening systems are typically used to detect threats, explosives, weapons, knives, narcotics, firearms, and contraband. Various systems are used in air cargo security such as narcotics detectors, explosives detection systems, and non-computed tomography.

The global air cargo security and screening system market is estimated to account for US$ 1,219.3 Mn in terms of value by the end of 2019

Market Dynamics- Drivers

1. Increasing utilization of advanced screening technologies is expected to drive growth of the global air cargo security & screening systems market during the forecast period

Rising security threats has resulted in the use of advanced technology-based equipment such as non-computed tomography and transmission X-ray. Governments of various countries are incorporating technology-based screening at airports, in order to improve air cargo security and safety. These technologies facilitate users to detect explosives without indication of size or quantity. Moreover, these technologies can sense chemical compositions of an object and indicate the risk. Hence, growing use of advanced screening technologies worldwide is expected to boost the global air cargo security & screening systems market over the forecast period. For instance, in October 2019, Melbourne Airport, Australia partnered with Smiths Detection to incorporate latest checkpoint security technology, featuring computer tomography (CT) X-ray in Terminal 4 of the airport. 

2. Growing security concerns for airports and air traffic is expected to propel the global air cargo security and screening systems market growth over the forecast period

Rising terror attack threats have increased the need for stringent security measures. Many countries are implementing regulations and standardized designs, in order to enhance and implement strict security policies and norms for technology-based security for cargo shipments. Moreover, growing awareness regarding high-level air cargo security among governments and enterprises has compelled technology developers to come up with enhanced and highly efficient security equipment and systems. These factors are expected to accelerate the market growth in the near future.

North America region dominated the global air cargo security and screening system market in 2019, accounting for 31.2% share in terms of value, followed by Europe, and Asia Pacific respectively

 Source: Coherent Market Insights

Market Dynamics- Restraints

1. Technical challenges associated with bulk cargo screening is expected to restrain growth of the global cargo security & screening systems market over the forecast period

Airport authorities are implementing screening systems for cargo security, and these are costly and manufactured as per size of cargo to be screened. Smaller screening machines are required for smaller cargo volumes. Moreover, bulk screening is a major challenge as it needs to be screened in smaller loads or single cargo loads at a time, making it time-consuming and tedious. This is also due to availability of only small and medium cargo screening systems at airports. Moreover, incapability of screening systems to screen multiple cargo loads is a challenge for airport authorities and enterprises as it also increases time of the screening process as well as results in delays in delivery of cargo. These factors are expected to hinder the market growth in the near future.

2. High cost associated with screening systems is expected to hamper the global air cargo security & screening systems market growth over the forecast period

Screening equipment that are equipped with advanced features and technology are expensive and requires updates three to four years. Thus, it increases airline and airport authorities’ investment significantly to install these systems. Moreover, smaller airlines often have limited budget and are reluctant to invest in air cargo security and screening systems, which in turn, increases threat risks. Hence, these factors are expected to restrict the market growth over the forecast period.

Market Opportunities

1. Development of separate cargo terminal is expected to pose significant growth opportunity for market players

Governments in many countries are working with airline companies and airport authorities to develop a separate and solely dedicated terminal with air cargo screening equipment. This can help airport security personnel to identify threats and save time while shipping cargo. Moreover, presence of separate air cargo terminals will minimize the potential risks to passengers in the event of bomb threat or chemical explosion in the cargo. This will also companies to speed up time taken to transport goods with cargo being scanned immediately upon reaching the terminal. These factors are expected to pose lucrative growth opportunity.

2. Collaborations and partnerships among supply chain enterprises to pose lucrative business opportunity

Collaborations and partnerships among supply chain enterprises can lead to sustainability in air cargo industry. International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is a trade association, is working towards development of global standards and supply chain partnerships based on mutual benefits. Furthermore, cargo account settlement systems, designed by IATA can help in billing and settling of accounts between airlines and freight forwarders. This, in turn, is expected to provide significant growth opportunity in the near future.

Source: Coherent Market Insights

Global air cargo security and screening system market, by technology type segment, explosive detection system sub-segment was accounted for 37.6% market share in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2019 and 2027.

Market Trends

1. Growing incorporation of X-ray technology

Airport security authorities are increasingly adopting X-ray technology for screening cargo. Several companies have included X-ray detection technology within their security offerings for screening baggage, luggage, belongings, large cargo, and parcels. These X-ray systems are available in a variety of sizes such as small machines for mail screening, medium-sized cargo screening machine, large screening machines for cargo containers. This technology improves image enhancement function, in order to support multi-view display and offer various other benefits to the user.

2. High adoption of advanced screening systems is another major trend in the market

Advanced screening systems have witnessed significant growth in air cargo security, which in turn, has increased the revenue of the global air cargo screening and security systems market. The adoption is increased significantly after numerous terror attacks such as 9/11 and Brussels Attack in Mach 2016. This, in turn, has led to implementation of security and screening systems airports for cargo inspection.

Competitive Section    

Key players operating in the global air cargo security & screening systems market are L-3 Communications Security & detection system, American Science and Engineering, Inc., Smiths Detection, Nuctech Company, Safran Identity and Security SAS, Gilardoni S.P.A., Implant Sciences Corporation, Rapiscan System, and Costruzioni Elettroniche Industriali Automatismi S.p.A.

Key Developments

1. Major market players are focused on product launch, in order to enhance their product portfolio. For instance, in September 2019, Smiths Detection introduced new air cargo scanner ‘HI-SCAN 145180-2is pro’, which uses two 200kV X-ray generators arranged in 90⁰
2. Key players in the market are focused on product approval from regulatory authorities, in order to gain competitive edge in the market. For instance, in December 2019, Rapiscan System received the U.S. Transportation Security Administrations (TSA)-approval for its Rapiscan Systems RTT 110 Explosive Detection System (EDS) machine.