A world-first trial involving Air New Zealand flights aims to boost biosecurity at the border.
Passengers travelling on Air NZ flights from Melbourne to Auckland will have their bags screened by new x-ray technology before taking off, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announced today.
The x-ray images will be sent to Auckland while the flight is in the air to allow biosecurity staff to identify potential threats. Passengers will still be subject to checks when they reach their destination.
"Any bag containing biosecurity risk items will then be matched with the passenger, who will face further scrutiny by officials upon landing," Mr Guy said.
The three-month trial will begin on July 22. If successful, the ministry would look to extend the system to other major Australian airports, Mr Guy added.
