MINISTER of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, has expressed his satisfaction with the operation of the new facilities at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), even as management continues to run tests to ensure all systems concerning passenger handling and service conditions are acceptable.

According to the Department of Public Information (DPI) Minister Patterson, who arrived on a Caribbean Airlines flight at the CJIA this past week, stated that he is “quite pleased” with the operations at the new arrivals terminal, noting that “it was very efficient” soon after arriving at the airport.

The minister said that the new terminal reduces the immigration processing time. He related that from the moment the aircraft landed, he began to time the process “as a passenger.” He said that the immigration process was completed in “eleven minutes” and it was “a better experience” for him.

He told the DPI, that while the infrastructural aspect of the arrival terminal has been completed, there are other aspects which must be put in place before the facility is fully functional. He explained that, “Immigration has to get their software ready, customs has to get all their scanners running,” as well as their payment systems.

The minister disclosed that on Monday, there will be a debriefing after which a decision will be made on whether the new arrivals terminal will begin operations, as planned or an extension will be granted so as to facilitate “a bit more fine-tuning.”

It was noted that the departure terminal of the CJIA is set to be completed in December of this year.