Amulet Protective Technologies and Arconas announced their first installation of bullet- and blast-resistant airport furniture. Arconas Flyaway tandem seating with Amulet Ballistic Barriers are designed to shield travelers in the event of an act of violence in the public space. The seating has been installed in the new Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport terminal that will open to the public on Jan. 20.
Arconas, North America’s leading designer and manufacturer of furniture for airports, has teamed up with Amulet Protective Technologies to seamlessly integrate Amulet’s award-winning bullet-absorbing technology into airport seating.
"Arconas recognizes that our airport and transportation clients are looking for more options in their furniture. Terminal operators always take a safety-first approach to their facilities, so providing clients features that improve safety and protect lives has been incredibly well received,” Arconas Vice President of Business Development Lynn Gordon said. “We’re focused on improving the airport experience, which includes highly functional, durable, attractive, and now protective furniture.”
The “invisible” barrier technology is integrated during the manufacturing process and is designed to protect human lives from gunfire or explosive devices without affecting the design, appearance or comfort of the airport seating.
“Unfortunately, acts of violence in the public space have become an all too common occurrence around the globe,” Amulet Protective Technologies President and CEO Jeffrey Isquith said. “Our No. 1 goal is to save lives – and this technology adds a critical layer of protection for the public. Amulet Ballistic Barriers are a 21st Century solution to saving lives and reducing injuries to innocent people.”
The new terminal covers 91,000 square feet over two stories and will be able to accommodate more air carriers and passengers than the existing 50-year-old terminal.
“The new terminal incorporates the latest technology and features, including seating that can protect passengers and first responders if needed,” said, Bryant Walker, airport director. “Providing for the safety and comfort of our passengers is our top priority. We have no reason to believe we would ever need this technology, however, we try to plan for the unexpected. The decision to use Arconas seating with integrated Amulet barriers was an easy one to make.”
This type of “invisible” technology has fast become a key component of the physical security market, which is expected to double in size within the next few years. Amulet Ballistic Barriers are designed to be uniquely compatible with interior furnishings and meet U.S. National Institute of Justice performance criteria for handgun, rifle and explosive-device threats.
