Airport to have new screening system: Kiponge

JACKSON International Airport’s domestic terminal’s new baggage security screening system is to be completed and ready for operation in September, National Airports Corporation (NAC) managing-director and chief executive officer Rex Kiponge says.
“The system will reduce screening time, thus passenger queues should be shorter,” he added.
“Most of the (installation) work has been completed.
“We are now waiting for the two new screening machines to be shipped to Port Moresby at the end of August,” he said.
The new screening machines cost K3.2 million and was funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (Cadip).
The new system will replace the existing machines which are more than 20 years old and were now obsolete.
Kiponge said the security screening update was part of NAC’s plans to improve the airport’s facilities and services to cater for the growing population and the increasing demand for air travel.
“In April, the existing machines at the entry of the domestic terminal broke down due to wear and tear and is awaiting repair and maintenance very soon,” he said.
“To ensure business continuity, NAC has relocated another baggage screening machine from one of our other terminals for the domestic terminal.
“Due to only one operating machine, air passengers and tenants are experiencing bottleneck inconvenience at the domestic terminal during morning peak hours. We appeal to outbound passengers at the domestic terminal to support us and the airlines during this time by coming to the airport early for their check-in.
“In addition, we also appeal to passengers that when you are in the terminal awaiting your flight, please try as much as possible to remain in the terminal to avoid congestion,” he added.