KIVALLIQ/WINNIPEG - Kivalliq Air passengers are about to find it a whole lot tougher to sneak unwanted goods on board flights departing Winnipeg.

Kivalliq Air operations manager John McFee displays the new Xray machine that will be operational in the airline's Winnipeg terminal this week. - photo courtesy of Kivalliq Air

The airline has announced an X-ray machine will be in operation this week to scan all baggage and cargo.

Kivalliq Air operations manager John McFee said the machine has been part of ongoing discussions between the airline and various organizations for a number of years.

He said the concern has centred on passengers who use airline travel, in general, to take illegal substances and alcohol into Nunavut.

"It's become more of an issue the past few years in our discussions with mayors, RCMP, Health representatives and others," said McFee.

"We indicated our willingness to get the X-ray machine here if they were willing to support us in doing that, which they've done.

"We'll to use it for scheduled passenger baggage, carry-on items and cargo.

"We'll be looking for the same types of things they scan for at the main Winnipeg terminal, including contraband, weapons and dangerous goods."

Kivalliq Air does not allow alcohol on its flights, whether the destination is to a wet or dry community.

McFee said while the proliferation of drugs and alcohol into Nunavut was a driving force behind the airline using the machine, operators will be primarily looking for items dangerous to the safety of the flight.

He said the airline doesn't expect to find people intentionally trying to put a flight in danger.

"Most often you come across items people don't realize are dangerous goods, such as a contractor carrying a butane torch he or she may use every day at work.

"Should we identify what could be alcohol or an illegal substance, we would ask the passenger for permission to go through their baggage.

"If they refuse us permission, they can leave their baggage behind or choose to not board the flight.

"It's also not unusual for us to have an RCMP presence at our terminal during boarding times."

McFee said the addition of the machine is Kivalliq Air doing its part to help keep unwanted items out of the territory.

He said he heard the message loud and clear during the Kivalliq Mayors Conference, that community leaders are very much in favour of the airline having the X-ray machine in operation.

"Hopefully, its presence alone will be a deterrent and, once passengers see it, the likelihood of them wanting to transport contraband on Kivalliq Air will diminish.

"We'll have procedures in place to respect everyone's rights, so that issue will not be a concern to any of our passengers."