Cancún, Quintana Roo, 1st July 2006.- ASUR’s nine airports, including Cancún International Airport, have successfully complied in full with the obligation under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements to submit hold baggage on domestic flights to stringent security checks, in the same way that baggage on international flights is inspected.
In the case of Cancún, hold baggage transported by airplane from this tourist destination is now screened with a complex computer-assisted tomography and explosive trace detection system that uses the most advanced technology available in the world. Consequently, a better level of security will be provided for all passengers on all flights from this airport, whether domestic or international.
Scanning equipment has been installed as part of an overall logistical structure, including conveyor belts that carry suitcases through several different machines connected to a computer network. This detects materials that should not be transported aboard aircraft from safety reasons.
According to the obligations that Mexico assumed by adhering to ICAO regulations, screening became compulsory for all baggage transported on international flights on January 1st this year, and for baggage on domestic flights on July 1st.
The Director of Cancún Airport, Gabriel Gurméndez Armand-Ugón, issued a statement with regard to the new baggage screening equipment that was acquired by the airport with an investment of some 25 million dollars. He commented that a series of tests and trials began approximately one month ago, which made it possible to fine-tune procedures and be ready to begin operating before the deadline established by international agreements. He went on to emphasize that the safety of passengers and aircraft is one of the top priorities for Grupo ASUR.
Mr. Gurméndez also acknowledged the support received from the Mexican Department of Civil Aviation, which played a key role in achieving the successful implementation of the security system, and thanked the airlines and airport service companies for their cooperation in complying with the new baggage handling procedures. The joint efforts of all parties involved made it possible for the system to operate smoothly, efficiently and on time.
The airports at Cancún, Cozumel, Huatulco, Mérida, Minatitlán, Oaxaca, Tapachula, Veracruz and Villahermosa, which form Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR), have successfully honored Mexico’s international commitments while maintaining uninterrupted operations, and have positioned themselves at the technological forefront of the Mexican aviation sector in terms of hold-baggage screening.
|