New checked baggage x-ray machine approved for Busselton airport

The Busselton Margaret River Airport is in line for a security upgrade with the purchase of a new X-ray machine approved by City of Busselton councillors.

The new X-ray machine will replace the second-hand machine being used at present.

Smiths Detection will supply and install the equipment costing $617,037.

That is below the budgeted costs of $650,000, but there will also be four years of service costs totalling $205,593.

Smiths Detection was one of two tenders received and were selected over Rapiscan Systems based on their pricing, warranty, servicing, and experience.

The current checked bagged X-ray machine was purchased in 2019 — second-hand and was refurbished — but was now approaching the end of its life.

The airport is expanding its operations with new flights between Perth and Busselton, on top of its routes to Sydney, Melbourne and remote WA mine sites.