Trans-Tasman passengers to skip X-rays

Passengers flying from Australia to New Zealand will be able to skip biosecurity baggage X-rays on landing from next year when the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) rolls out a system for reviewing X-rays from overseas airports.

The new system will allow MAF to pre-screen X-rays while passengers are en route to New Zealand, the BusinessDay website says.

The system will be rolled out at Brisbane Airport early next year, with other Australian airports also expected to join, MAF spokeswoman Kathy Dyer said.

Airports in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vancouver and Chile have expressed interest.

The system will initially be introduced for "low-risk" trans-Tasman flights only, Ms Dyer said.

It will mean a speedier exit from the airport for passengers who are a low biosecurity risk, she said.