After an initial expenditure of more than $1 million, Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is set to become only the second airport in the Caribbean to introduce automated passport control (APC) kiosks, which have halved line wait times for travelers at Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
And while Aruba introduced the kiosks on December 11, 2014, LPIA will handle more than double the number of U.S. bound passengers moving through Queen Beatrix International Airport every year.
Jan Knowles, vice president of marketing and communications at Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), told Guardian Business that the kiosks are a joint effort.
"The cost to fund the purchase and installation of the new processing system is in excess of B$1 million and was underwritten by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board, the international airlines operating out of LPIA along with NAD," she said.
"The partners have also agreed to fund the operations and maintenance of the kiosks."
Knowles said the installation of APC is "very significant". By simplifying the customs and immigration process for both airport personnel and travelers, the kiosks have delivered benefits at major airports like
Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
The APC kiosks were able to facilitate four times more passengers processed per Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer, 89 percent faster than typical CBP primary inspection process and 50 percent less time spent waiting in line for all YVR travellers (Automated Passport Control and non-Automated Passport Control users).
"The Bahamas is on the cutting edge of this new technology which has only been installed in 26 of the nearly 300 international airports in North America," she said.
Meanwhile, NAD President and CEO Vernice Walkine has confirmed the timeline for the completion of the installation.
"We remain on schedule for a roll out date in February 2015," Walkine said.
The process of prepping for the kiosks to enter full-time service means - for NAD employees - acquisition of new skill-sets 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 U.S. 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 go a long way in streamlining the customs and immigration process and reducing long lines for U.S.-bound travelers.
"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 dramatically 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 commenced 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 U.S. and Canadian passport holders, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and international travellers with Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) from 38 countries not requiring U.S. entry visas, including Australia, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Knowles also addressed the local angle.
"For Bahamians having to pre-clear U.S. Customs and Immigration, we anticipate that wait times would be significantly reduced giving travellers more time to shop, dine and relax in the airport as they await their flights," she said.

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