For immediate release:
The princess Juliana international Airport hereby advises that on Saturday January 27, 2007, the checked luggage of a passenger on US Airways flight from St. Maarten to Charlotte was isolated after it tested positive on our explosives detection system. In keeping with procedures PJIAE’s staff immediately isolated the suspicious bag and activated emergency procedures by calling local law enforcement authorities and emergency response officials. After establishing that there was no danger to life and/or property and having interrogated the owner of the suspect luggage the emergency was called off.
As part of our routine operations all checked luggage at the new facilities at PJIAE are scanned in the advance X-ray and explosives detection system to test for dangerous goods to safeguard civil aviation against unlawful acts. Based on today’s incident we can be assured that PJIAE has the systems in place to detect dangerous goods and act if required.
I hereby commend PJIAE’s staff, the airline and handling company as well as the emergency response officials for the professional and effective manner in which the incident was handled.
drs. Eugene B. Holiday, President
Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company