The Government of Canada Announces Initiatives to Reduce Wait Times at St. John's International Airport

ST. JOHN'S, Aug. 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Transport), announced new initiatives aimed at making air travel more convenient for Canadians travelling from medium sized airports like the St. John's International Airport. These screening procedures will enable the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) to reduce wait times for travellers by using practices already established in Canada's larger airports.

NEXUS members flying from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, St. John's, Moncton, Québec City and Kelowna are now able to use their NEXUS cards to access a dedicated entrance allowing them to proceed directly to the front of the screening line resulting in shorter wait times.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring the security of Canadians travelling within our borders and abroad while reducing wait times at screening," said Minister Fletcher. "Canadians will now be able to use their NEXUS card at more airport security checkpoints in Canada, including here in St. John's, making security screening faster and more convenient."

NEXUS is a joint Canada Border Services Agency/U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that expedites the border clearance process for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. Using a NEXUS card at pre-board security screening is an additional benefit for NEXUS members.

Initially available at select domestic and international security checkpoints at Canada's eight largest airports, the program was expanded in February 2012 to include flights to the United States. Today's announcement will see five new airports accepting NEXUS cards to expedite security screening.

"While providing effective security screening services remains CATSA's priority, we are committed to working with our partners to improve the air travel experience," said Angus Watt, President and CEO of CATSA.

For more information on CATSA, visit www.catsa.gc.ca. To apply for NEXUS, visit www.nexus.gc.ca.

CATSA, established in 2002, is a Crown corporation responsible for:

• Pre-board screening - the screening of passengers, their carry-on baggage and their personal belongings;
• Hold-baggage screening - the screening of checked baggage;
• Non-passenger screening - the screening of non-passengers on a random basis; and
• Restricted Area Identity Card - the administration of access control to airport restricted areas through biometric identifiers. 

SOURCE: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA)

For further information:

Brayden Akers
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Steven Fletcher Minister of State (Transport)
613-991-0700

Mathieu Larocque
CATSA
613-998-4527
[e-mail]