Welcome aboard! Shannon Airport's newest recruits complete training for airport search unit

Shannon Airport has welcomed fourteen new members of its airport security team in anticipation of a busy summer schedule.

The new airport search unit officers have completed training which includes the operation of the airport’s state of the art three-dimensional X-ray screening system. It is this system, with built in explosive detection software, that eliminates the need for passengers travelling through Shannon Airport to separate their 100ml liquids or electronics from their cabin bags when going through security.

The training also included cabin baggage search, manual handling, sunflower hidden disability training and much more. This was given by inhouse instructors and involved both classroom and practical training, with their certification completed by examiners on behalf of the Irish Aviation Authority.

The new team members hail from Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and as far afield as Finland. They come from a variety of backgrounds including hospitality, retail, and healthcare as well as some having progressed through other departments of the airport such as the mobility assistance unit.

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The fourteen new recruits received their official certificates this week at an event welcoming them to the Shannon Airport team.

Speaking at this event, Pat O’Brien, Chief Officer of Shannon Airport Police, Fire Service and Security said: “The airport search unit (ASU) officers are a vital part of both Shannon Airport security and the customer experience, which is always to the forefront of our operations here.

I would like to congratulate our newly trained ASU officers and thank them for the commitment they have shown throughout their intensive training programme. I would also like to thank Jean Moloney, Deputy Chief Security Officer, Katie Duggan-Hastings, lead instructor, Leona McGuigan and Padraic Whelan instructors, together with their colleagues, for the wonderful training they have given these new members," he added. 

Katie Duggan-Hastings, screening supervisor and lead instructor said: "There was a lot of learning across the training programme as most didn’t come from a security background. They are a lovely group and it’s wonderful to see them being certified now - a great achievement for all involved.” 

With 36 routes to 11 countries available throughout the summer schedule and over 53,000 people having passed through the airport during the May bank holiday period alone, it's set to be a busy start for the newest team members. The recruits are excited to join the Shannon Airport team and are looking forward to helping passengers through security at Ireland’s favourite airport in the months ahead.