At YVR, removing laptops and liquids from your carry-on at security is a thing of the past, thanks to a fresh use of half-century-old technology. Vancouver is the first flight hub in the country to deploy CT scanners in a bid to detect explosives and other threats, according to CATSA. And the agency plans to install the technology, which provides 360-degree views via computerized X-ray imaging, at airport checkpoints across the country in the coming years.

As a result, travellers will no longer need to remove liquids, aerosols, gels or large electronics – laptops included – from their carry-on bags, says Vancouver International Airport CEO Tamara Vrooman, who adds, the technology maintains high security standards while making it easier to move through the checks.

The project was announced at the Vancouver airport, where five of the machines have been in operation since Sept. 4, positioned astride conveyer belts in the security screening area.

Nada Semaan, who heads the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority says the technology aims to catch explosives and other “threat items” while easing the passenger experience.

The agency says more upgrades are planned at other airports over several years, beginning this fall. It declined to specify a timeline, or which airports will undergo a security overhaul.

The Crown corporation said its funding for the project amounted to $23 million for the first year.

The Vancouver airport invested another $30 million to renovate the space and accommodate the gear, the airport authority said.