UK firm's $133m deal for Doha airport security

Smiths Detection, part of global technology business Smiths Group, said on Tuesday it has won a contract worth more than €100m ($133m) to supply all the main security scanning systems at the New Doha International Airport in Qatar.

The order to equip one of the world's most advanced airports includes a range of automatic x-ray and trace detection systems to screen passengers, hand luggage and checked-in bags for explosives, weapons and contraband.

It is the biggest single-airport contract that London-listed Smiths Detection has ever won, the company said in a statement.

Mal Maginnis, Smiths Detection's president, said: "We are very proud to play a central role in such an important transport hub in one of the world's most dynamic regions."

The first expansion phase of NDIA, which will be 12 times the size of the old Doha facility, is due to be completed in early 2013.

The new airport will eventually be able to handle 24 million passengers and two million tonnes of cargo a year.

The equipment to be supplied to NDIA includes HI-SCAN 10080 EDX-2is, HI-SCAN 130100T, HI-SCAN 7555aTix including iLane Systems and the 500DT trace detectors. Deliveries are already under way, the statement added.

Smiths Detection offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.