Inverness Airport bosses are aiming to upgrade security measures at the city’s terminal to help improve check-in protocols for passengers.
Two new cabbin baggage X-Ray machines are to be installed in the security search comb area of the airport within the next 18 months.
The machines will replace the airport’s existing equipment to comply with European best practice and meet the standards set by terminals across the country.
The works are part of a public contract lodged by regional airport operator Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL) last week to seek the best suppliers for the installation and commission of the works.
All interested parties have until November 21 at noon to outline their intentions with work expected to be completed no later than March 2020.
A spokesman for HIAL said: “HIAL is undertaking an upgrade to the hold baggage screening equipment at Inverness which will see the installation of the latest Standard 3-approved explosives detection system (EDS) machine, aimed at enhancing the customer experience. Work is scheduled for completion by March 2020.”
The works are expected to improve the facilities overall level of customer service by ensuring that security checks are conducted more efficiently.
Highlands and Islands Regional MSP Rhoda Grant welcomed the news and spoke of the benefits the upgrade in services will bring to passengers. She said: “I welcome any investment that is made by HIAL to enhance their customers experience. As I understand it this new cabin baggage x-ray machines will have a tray return facility and be more efficient and effective, hopefully allowing the more speedy passage of passengers through this part of the security process at Inverness Airport.”
A recent study, commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Highlands and Islands Airports (HIAL), found the airport generates £33.3 million each year for the Highland and Moray economies and support the around 748 jobs.
