Twenty Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks now grace the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), allowing American and Canadian passport holders as well as U.S. permanent residents and travellers from 38 visa-waivered countries to have the ability to scan their documents at the kiosks and confirm travel in less than 60 seconds.
During the official launch of the APC kiosks at the airport, Monday, February 2, 2015, Minister of Transport and Aviation, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin said placement of kiosks in the airport is the result of a collaborative effort of the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nassau Airport Development Company Ltd. (NAD), Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board, the Ministry of Tourism, the airline operators and the United States Government.
“What you see here today is significant. I am told that these APCs already exist at New York’s JFK International, at LAX, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International and the Hartsfield-Jackson International in Atlanta.
“The Lynden Pindling International Airport is the second international airport with U.S. pre-clearance facilities to offer these kiosks, but we are the largest pre-clearance airport to do so.”
Minister Hanna-Martin said, “The successful implementation of this new technology at our country’s gateway speaks to The Bahamas Government’s commitment to the future growth of the aviation sector and by extension, our primary industry of tourism.”
She added that in order to remain competitive, The Bahamas must continue to seek out innovative solutions like APC to enhance the functionality of LPIA. “As the airport becomes more efficient, we can build the case for establishment of LPIA as a viable regional and domestic hub.”
Also in attendance at the launch were Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe; U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Lisa Johnson; President & CEO, (NAD), Vernice Walkine; President & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority, Craig Richmond; and President & CEO, Vantage Airport Group, George Casey.
NAD’s president & CEO explained that the APCs will greatly improve the experience of U.S. bound passengers as they leave New Providence/Paradise Island and alleviate long lines, which can lead to flight delays.
“The demand for the destination continues to grow with more than 3.2 million passengers travelling through LPIA on an annual basis; we want to ensure that their experience at our airport is a positive one.
Ms. Walkine added: “Making the investment in 20 APC kiosks just makes sense from a passenger management perspective as the move will drastically reduce wait times in an area impacting more than 80 per cent of our total airport traffic. The technology will benefit the destination for years to come.”
Instead of filling out a declaration card and taking travel documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer (CBP), eligible passengers choosing to use APC can proceed directly to a self-serve kiosk in the U.S. CBP pre-clearance area.
Travellers simply follow the on-screen instructions to scan their passport, answer the customs declaration question, have their photo taken and receive a confirmation receipt, which they then show to a CBP officer to finalise processing.
Ms. Walkine said the airport has hired six new staff to serve as APC ambassadors and NAD intends to add additional ambassadors to the roster. Mr. Richmond noted that officials are working closely with U.S. Customs to make all citizens eligible and they are very close to reaching that agreement.
