-Self check-in to also be introduced
THE Ministry of Public Works and Communication has been employing measures to improve transport in Guyana whether by air, land or sea. In recent years major emphasis has been on upgrading the facilities as well as technology at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport Corporation (CJIAC) to allow proper time management, safe flights and comfortable environment for passengers.

An aerial shot of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri. (Mike Charles photo)

One of the latest technologies being targeted for implementation at the CJIAC is the Common Use Terminal Equipment (CUTE).

According to the Government Information Agency (GINA), this technology allows airlines to check-in passengers at any counter at the airport.

An agreement was signed yesterday at the Ministry of Public Works and Communication with CJIAC, airlines and SITA (the international company providing the technology) to implement CUTE in Guyana.

Minister of Transport and Hydraulics Mr. Robeson Benn is optimistic that this technology will upgrade the facilities with regards to passengers’ management check-in and there is an anticipated reduction in waiting time.

“The airlines can share data and share efforts while operating and so they’ll be in a more respectable environment with respect to people checking in and passengers handling and operating at Cheddi Jagan International Airport”, Minster Benn said.

The Minster indicated that he is pleased that the airlines agreed to this venture to provide better services to passengers.

Chief Executive Officer of CJIA Mr. Ramesh Ghir explained that the airport corporation has been in contact with the airlines and SITA for the past two years to ensure that the airport sourced the right equipment.

CUTE, he said, will be time efficient and will be convenient for frequent travellers.

Passengers will be able to clearly identify airlines and there will be new flight information display system to aid travellers. There will be two kiosks for persons to check themselves in.

Mr. Rasheed Mohamed, Accounts Director of SITA, noted that other countries including Trinidad and Tobago are utilising this technology from SITA which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

Mohamed said the airport stands to benefit greatly from CUTE since it avoids costly expansion. It may be used as a means to encourage new service providers since they do not have to worry about setting up their own facilities at the airport.

CUTE is expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2010. The airport is signing onto a five- year lease agreement with the supplier and airlines will buy into the lease. The agreement which is in excess of US$1M covers the cost for over 30 screens which will be distributed across the terminal, and maintenance and upgrade of the technology.