Guernsey Airport seeks States approval for new hold baggage system
3rd March 2020
Guernsey Airport is proposing to spend up to £12 million on a new hold baggage screening system to comply with current aviation security requirements for airports throughout the British Isles.
The current equipment, which has been in operation since the terminal building opened in 2004, no longer meets the regulations set by the UK Department for Transport (DfT). Other regional airports, including Jersey, the Isle of Man, Newquay and Bristol have already commenced or completed the required upgrades.
Guernsey Airport has applied to the DfT for a temporary ‘alleviation’, while it progresses the planned upgrade. States Members will be asked to approve funding for the project from the Capital Reserve, to avoid the cost having to be recouped through airport charges, which would impact on fares. The proposals are expected to be debated in April.
STSB President, Deputy Peter Ferbrache, said: “The policy letter is asking States Members to agree funding for a significant investment in vital airport infrastructure. This is an investment in the island’s air links, which are vital for the economic and social wellbeing of the Bailiwick, to ensure seamless travel and improve the experience for passengers.”
Since it was installed in 2004, the current hold baggage system has processed approximately 2.5 million items of luggage.
Colin Le Ray, General Manager - Ports, said the equipment had reached the end of its useful life, and no longer meets modern regulatory standards. Current systems now use much more modern technology, to provide a higher level of screening and enhanced security checks that are now required for hold baggage. Without this, regulators could introduce a requirement for manual searches on some bags, resulting in longer check-in times, particularly at peak times. The proposed replacement equipment will also future proof the airport, in terms of meeting future compliance requirements.
Mr Le Ray said:
“We have been liaising closely with the DfT on this, and that has afforded us some time to develop these plans. We now need to progress with the upgrade as a priority, to comply with the new hold baggage screening regulations which other airports, in the UK and Europe, are introducing. This will be the start of a considerable public investment in new technology and equipment at Guernsey Airport, to help meet the latest regulatory requirements and improve the passenger experience.”
The Ports Capital Programme, which is funded through income from the harbours and airport, has identified a requirement to spend £20 million over the next four years, the majority on major infrastructure projects. That is excluding the new hold baggage equipment.
The States’ Trading Supervisory Board (STSB) considered reprioritising the existing projects within the Ports Capital Programme to fund the replacement, as well as other options, such as a loan. However it has discounted these due to the potential impact on other important infrastructure improvements and the potential impact on passenger charges, which are already relatively high.
The proposed upgrade will involve an extension to the terminal building, at the western end. This will provide the space required to house the new equipment, which require a greater footprint as the new devices are larger and heavier than the machines being replaced.
The anticipated costs of between £10.5 million and £12 million include the building construction, equipment and system supply, and installation.
Guernsey Airport is also continuing with work to replace the x-ray equipment in the central search area, which is used to screen hand luggage being carried on to aircraft. The installation of new, 3D technology scanners could mean travellers no longer having to remove items such as liquids or electronic equipment from their bags, which should reduce queuing times and enable a better passenger experience.
It is proposed the cost of that replacement equipment is covered through the Ports Capital Programme. However it will be progressed in tandem with the hold baggage project, to utilise the specialist project management and technical expertise that will be required for both.
The full policy letter is availible from the States of Guernsey's website.
Picture: Guernsey Airport