12 Jul 2013

Trans-Tasman luggage X-ray trial set to begin

10:04 am on 12 July 2013

X-ray images of all passenger baggage is to be sent ahead and analysed while the flight is enroute in a new trans-Tasman biosecurity trial.

From next week, passengers flying between Melbourne - Auckland will have their luggage scanned and the images will be electronically sent to security personel to be screened before the aircraft lands.

Border security staff will then separate passengers with suspicious images on arrival.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said the procedure will streamline travel between the countries.

If successful, the six month trial will be rolled out across all Australian destinations, and may be applied to other international destinations.

Mr Guy said other countries are watching the trial closely.