A £10 million overhaul of security at Birmingham International Airport is set to take place over the next 18 months.

The new project will involve removing existing checkpoints from Terminal One and Terminal Two, creating a new centralised security area.

The new single area will be constructed on the first floor of the building between the existing terminals, while the option of introducing new, high-tech body scanners is also being considered by airport.

The project is part of a huge overhaul of the airport, which bosses say is well overdue.

Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham International Airport said: “Going through security is pretty grim at either terminal.

“We want to have a new centralised area, although as to the question of whether there will be new body scanners introduced, this is something that will come from Government.”

“We also have a new Emirates business lounge opening in February and will be introducing new shops and an onward travel centre.

“Improving passenger experience will be our main goal for 2010.”

The airport has a 10-year target to double passenger number from nine million to 18 million a year by 2020 and Mr Kehoe said over the next 10 years £200 million will be invested in the airport.

But he said there were a number of challenges facing the airport over the next year.

The airport laid off around 80 people from a staff of 600 as it has battled the recession last year, with flights down four per cent on the previous year.

He said: “The overall position doesn’t make for happy reading. There are significant challenges ahead.

“The key fact for us at Birmingham Airport is that if the West Midlands economy sneezes we catch a cold. Our fortunes are linked to theirs.”

Mr Kehoe added the future of the economy of the West Midlands rests on extension plans.

He said: “The region needs this extension, but the company can’t fund the West Midlands.”