Coming to The Victor M. Power Timmins Airport later this month: baggage screening for James Bay Coast-bound flights operated by Air Creebec and Thunder Airlines.
Airport manager Dave Dayment says none of them are required by air security regulations to screen bags. However, the Mushkegowuk Tribal Council wants it.
“They’ve requested that the screening be implemented, even though not required by the regulation,” he says, adding that “they’re trying to eliminate potential for travellers that may access their communities with contraband and other items that are not welcome in their communities.”
The screening rules are the same as for passengers on Air Canada and Porter flights. The practice begins Monday, January 20th.
It will not affect staffing or equipment levels at the Timmins Airport, says Dayment.
“They’re here already. So Transport Canada and the arm of them being the Air Transport Security Authority say that we’re willing to try this out and we will screen for items that are not allowed on carry-on or are prohibited by nature.”
Creebec has two or three flights a day, while Thunder has one or two.
