Approval for funding for new Security X-ray machines and a replacement outbound baggage conveyor system at Isle of Man Airport will be sought at this month’s sitting of Tynwald.

The outbound baggage conveyor system, located out of site from passengers, behind the check-in desks in the Terminal building, is life-expired and has become unreliable, although it has lasted 2 years longer than expected. The current ‘single line’ system was installed in 2003, with some housing built around the system, although a good proportion of the conveyor system is open to the elements.

In 2003, the project was first entered into the Capital programme. The future project was for a replacement 2-line conveyor system, taking out the current disadvantage of having to stop the whole system whenever there is a bag jam or equipment breakdown, plus it included more check-in desks however this element of the project was taken out in 2009, when online check-in and check-in machine technology became more prevalent.

In 2010, new EU regulations stipulated that by 1 September 2012, the standard of X-ray machines have to be Standard 2. Currently there are two Standard 1 X-ray machines in the terminal at Ronaldsway – one behind check-in that x-rays every bag checked-in, plus one at the ‘Out of Gauge’ desk in the main concourse, alongside the check-in desks, where large and bulky items such as golf bags, very heavy suitcases and skis etc, get x-rayed.

It was always expected that the project would require three X-ray machines – but that the current two machines would be upgraded.  However in September 2011 it became clear that the manufacturer of the Airport’s Standard 1 X-ray machines would not be certified to upgrade the machines, leaving no choice but to purchase three Standard 2 machines rather than upgrade two and buy one new.

The scheme was presented to Members on 13 March, and it has been previously scrutinized by Departmental Members, Treasury and the Council of Ministers. 

The key elements of the scheme are:-

• The replacement conveyor scheme will be a 2-line system, allowing for built-in redundancy.
• Under EU regulations and the UK Aviation Security Programme, Standard 2 X-ray machines will need to be in place for 1 September 2012. The two current Standard 1 machines will be replaced with three new Standard 2 X-ray machines.
• There will be a single portal frame building (ca 1000 sqm) with  roller shutter doors housing the conveyor and X-rays (although one X-ray machine will be located in the main concourse at the out-of-gauge desk).
• The new conveyor system will have the life expectancy of 15 years, and the ability to integrate future X-ray machine standards, will meet projected passenger volumes, provide capacity to hold bags (dry) when flights delayed, and will retain the Island’s “domestic status”.
• Like the other Crown Dependencies, the IOM has fully adopted the UK Aviation Security Programme, allowing for aircraft operations to be treated as if arriving from a UK “domestic” airport. If the new Standard 2 X-ray machines are not in place for 1 September 2012, the Island would lose that ability. In addition, no hold bags will be carried by the airlines.
• The overall project cost is £3,216,779 and the budget in the “Pink Book” Capital Programme is £3,454,080.
• The expected off-island spend is £1,620,000 and the on-island spend is £1,597,000.

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK will this month seek the support of Tynwald members to approve £2,967,000 to provide a building extension to accommodate new X-ray equipment and replacement baggage conveyor system (£250,000 having already been approved to spend in the design stage).  The construction will cost £2.9 million, with the remaining £309,000 ancillary costs for professional fees, commissioning, site supervision and bond.  He said today ”I understand completely and share the concern of residents about the timing of this matter but, after scrutiny at the highest level, it is clear that we have no option other than to proceed.”