PHILIPSBURG--Princess Juliana International Airport SXM officially inaugurated the recently installed six bar code boarding pass (BCBP) e-gates on Friday morning. Installed in July, e-gates provide a faster, simpler and more convenient boarding pass security control procedure.

 

Airport Deputy Managing Director Larry Donker welcomed Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo and invited guests to the special ceremony.

 

“Airport SXM is one of the first in our region to provide this 100 per cent self-service passenger experience. The Airport is proud of this accomplishment which is another successful milestone. Automation has and continues to revolutionise the aviation industry,” he said in his opening address.

 

Speaking on behalf of the Airport’s Supervisory Board, Chairman Garry Matser said: “Our Airport, being a regional hub, is no different from the rest of the world. The board and management are cognizant of this ever-changing landscape and are prepared to meet all challenges.

 

“Today, we are elated to see that a major milestone has been achieved with the installation of this system. Our job does not end with the delivery of this system. No, we will continue our quest to improve security passenger flow and to deliver a stress-free and efficient traveller experience.”

 

The BCBP e-gates validate the authenticity of the boarding pass, including confirmation that the boarding pass is for an active flight on the day of travel. The process, which takes less than five seconds, will improve passenger processing and is quite user-friendly, based on passengers’ feedback for almost a month now.

 

Airport SXM Operations Division Acting Director Michel Hyman gave an outline of the e-gates project. He thanked the members of the team who have worked hard to get this project going – Kendall Dupersoy, Emile Levons, Julie Edwards, Erling Hoeve and Justin Joe – and the overwhelming support of the Ministries of Tourism and Justice.

 

The process is simple and easy. Passengers must first check in online at the self-service kiosks throughout the terminal or at the airline’s check-in counter. Once in possession of a paper boarding pass, passengers can then proceed to the BCBP e-gates where they will scan the barcode section of the boarding pass. Once the boarding pass has been validated, the BCBP e-gate will open and the passenger may proceed upstairs to the departure level.

 

At the departure level, passengers will proceed to an Immigration and Border Protection (IBP) officer, then through the security checkpoint and on to their departure gate.

 

Minister of Justice Edson Kirindongo congratulated the Airport during his address to attendees. He said Airport security was a very critical issue for him and his Ministry. Air transportation is one of the most convenient ways to travel, but this can also lead to an increase in the number of cross-border criminal acts; for example, terrorist activities.

 

“Therefore, the need for security at the airport is high. E-gates insure the verification of individuals, help in identifying and elimination of possible terrorist activities. To all personnel of the airport, you are the first and last impression of the country,” Kirindongo said. “If a passenger becomes angry, for example, because he or she had a false rejection, you have to stay professional. The worst thing you can do is go over to the same level as that angry passenger. Protect our tourism product.”

 

After the speeches, officials symbolically cut the ribbon opening the e-gates at Airport SXM.