The Tribune

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) says it is making significant progress in implementing its new automated passport control (APC), which aims to speed up customs and immigration processing for US-bound travellers.

“We remain on schedule for a roll-out date in February 2015,” NAD’s president and chief executive, Vernice Walkine, said of a system designed to expedite the outbound passenger flow through Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

NAD employees are acquiring new skills associated with the installation and maintenance of 20 new APC kiosks, and five Document Verification Officer (DVO) podiums provided by Vancouver Airport Authority’s Innovative Travel Solutions team.

The seven-strong IT team, with support from the airport’s Maintenance Department, is currently on the ground putting in the infrastructure and training remotely with a team from Vancouver Airport (YVR).

The new technology allows US and Canadian citizens, and other eligible international passengers, to scan their own passports and confirm their travel information in a process that should take a mere 60 seconds.

With LPIA serving more than 3.2 million visitors in 2013, the APC Kiosk system will help streamline the customs and immigration process and reduce long lines for US--bound travellers

“NAD’s team is doing all of the back-end work: routing systems, networking, sourcing all of the materials for on time completion of the project,” said director of IT & electronics, Orris Marshall.

“Through this process, we are enhancing computer networking skills, electronic skills and project management skills like vendor management and procurement. Our technicians are also learning basic project management skills at the front-end of the project. ”

BorderXpress APC kiosks and technology have reduced customs wait times at 14 airports across North America, including, the world’s busiest airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International in Atlanta.

Construction of the local kiosks at LPIA began on December 8. It is expected to be completed by January 26.

APC eliminates the need to complete paper customs forms. Passengers eligible to use the new technology include all US and Canadian passport holders, US Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and international travellers with Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) from 38 countries not requiring US entry visas, including Australia, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“Once the project is completed, NAD’s IT will have the responsibility for basic first-tier repairs and maintenance, preventative maintenance and first and second-tier support,” Mr Marshall said. “YVR will continue to provide third-tier support per our agreement with them.”