… self check-in system to be introduced
The Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Tuesday announced that a contract was recently inked for the upgrade of the common use terminal systems at the airport, which will see persons being checked in much faster.
In a statement, the airport explained, “This project will see the introduction of additional check-in counters, as well as four self-check-in kiosks. Online and self-check-in processes are currently available for departing passengers”.
This upgrade, according to CJIA, was inspired by a letter published in the media where suggestions were made for improvement. These features, the release stated, are sure to significantly reduce passenger check-in queuing times.
In addition, it was noted that an Inline Baggage Handling System is also being procured to further improve the services.
“This system will comprise a high-resolution Computer Tomography Explosive Trace Detection Machine which will be used to screen passenger checked luggage,” the airport stated.
Further it said plans are being made to secure walk-through metal detectors and hand luggage scanners at the CJIA for the various access control points.
According to the airport, management had pointed out that they are looking at recommendations made to alter the completion of arrivals and departure records from a paper-based method to an online system.
Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson when contacted told Guyana Times International that the Ministry of Citizenship had announced in its budget that the kiosks will be added to the airport’s upgraded features.
This feature, the Minister said, is available at the JFK International Airport. It will allow travellers to scan their passport and receive a printout, which means no more lines.
“The in-line scanner is an upgrade to the existing scanner, which is GRA equipment, so it will be along the conveyor belt or in line with it, so now you place the bags in the belt after check in, and the conveyor moves it through the scanner to the end of the line”, Patterson added.
The subject Minister could not state the cost attached to this upgrading, but would only say, “The airport (is) not buying, its GRA and the Citizenship (Ministry), we should be helping out”.
Just last month, it was reported that a Canadian firm will supply the airport with new equipment to aid in the landing of aircraft at the facility.
The expansion of the CJIA has been ongoing for a number of years, and while the APNU/AFC Government has repeatedly blamed the former administration for not including necessary plans in the project during the initial stages, Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo had stated that the absence of those necessary plans is a deliberate strategy to create opportunities for local contractors.
In 2012, under the PPP/C Administration, Guyana secured a US$138 million loan from the China Exim (Export-Import) Bank to fund the expansion and modernization of the project, for which the Guyana Government was slated to inject some US$12 million.
