The governments of Guyana and Panama have agreed to move forward with the elimination of security re-screening for passengers traveling between the two countries.
This decision comes after a security evaluation conducted at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Guyana by a delegation from Panama's Civil Aviation Authority (AAC).
The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether the security procedures at CJIA, the security protocols implemented by COPA Airlines, and the oversight measures of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) are comparable to those established in Panama.
According to the delegation's report, several critical areas were analyzed, such as passenger and carry-on baggage inspection, access control for individuals and vehicles, checked baggage inspection, aircraft security, onboard security, and security measures at terminals and boarding gates.
Tocumen International Airport in Panama is known as the "Hub of the Americas" due to its significance in air traffic within Latin America and the Caribbean, especially for COPA Airlines, which connects to routes across North America, Central America, South America, and some European cities. COPA Airlines has been operating regular flights between Panama and Guyana since July 2014 and currently operates seven weekly flights.
According to the report, Panama has worked to promote greater travel ease for passengers, improving the traveler experience. However, global security threats continue to pose a challenge to aviation systems, requiring airlines and countries to follow strict security protocols. These procedures are necessary to ensure that states and airline operators comply with safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
In this context, the One Stop Security (OSS) system, supported by ICAO, facilitates the security process for passengers through the equivalence and reciprocity of security measures between participating countries. This eliminates redundant security checks, simplifying the boarding process.
Panama has started implementing this system at Tocumen International Airport and considers that the security measures in Guyana are equivalent to those applied in Panama.
The Panamanian delegation presented a preliminary report to the GCAA, concluding that the security measures at Guyana's airport are effective and equivalent to those of the Panama Civil Aviation Authority. This positive report is a key step for the implementation of the OSS system between both countries. The elimination of redundant security checks will enhance the passenger experience, especially on COPA Airlines flights, by streamlining the process.
The agreement will be formalized with the presentation of a complete report and a "Letter of Commitment" that will recognize Guyana's participation in the OSS system and its obligation to maintain high standards of air security.
The Panama Civil Aviation Authority has implemented this system with other countries in North America, South America, and Europe, with the goal of facilitating international aviation and improving operational efficiency.
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline.
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