Pittsburgh International Airport Adding Significant Threat Detectors

FINDLAY TOWNSHIP, PA — Pittsburgh International Airport and BioFlyte, a chemical and bioaerosol surveillance firm have inked a five-year deal for spectrometer-based identifiers.

You probably are wondering what that means. An explanation follows.

According to a release from airport officials, BioFlyte’s products detect and identify all classes of particulate threats, including bacteria, viruses, biotoxins like anthrax and ricin, and pharmaceutical-based agents like fentanyl. Testing, from collection to identification, is typically completed within 5-10 minutes, enabling first responders and security personnel to quickly and confidently take necessary actions to reduce impact on both passenger health and business disruption.

BioFlyte’s initial airport installation occurred in September 2023 as part of the airport’s xBridge innovation center, which allows emerging technologies to test advancements in real-world settings. This deployment marked a step in validating the technology was ready for use in operational settings such as airports.

“The Pittsburgh region is recognized globally as a technology innovation hub and the airport is a major part of that,” said Travis McNichols, the airport's chief operations officer.

“This agreement underscores (the airport's) commitment to staying at the forefront of aviation security and innovation. BioFlyte’s success is a clear example of how xBridge helps turn promising innovation into real-world solutions.”

The move comes as the airport is slated to open a new Landside Terminal later this year that promises to provide additional parking, shorter waits at security checkpoints and baggage claim, and outdoor plazas where people can relax before boarding their flights.

It will replace the current Landside Terminal, which opened in 1992 and has been plagued with antiquated equipment and technology, frequent security checkpoint bottlenecks and an inconvenient layout.