Taoyuan International Airport Corp (TIAC) said yesterday it would soon install an electronic system on the peripheral walls of the nation’s largest airport, allowing the company to track anyone who trespasses in the airport’s restricted zones.
The company decided to beef up security at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport following an incident in July last year, when a woman was able to sneak into the airport’s restricted area, drive a ladder truck used by the ground crew onto the taxiway and eventually board a China Airlines aircraft. She was found sleeping in the crew lounge.
Seven TIAC officials were penalized for the incident.
TIAC said the airport is equipped with a surveillance system, but there remain some blind spots. The current system is also unable to immediately report whenever a break-in occurs, it added. The new electronic system will detect intruders, identify the point of infiltration and follow the target’s movement, so that the company’s staff can quickly apprehend the trespasser, the company said.
According to TIAC, the new electronic system is estimated to cost NT$180 million (US$6.1 million). The company said it plans to allow contractors to bid for the project by the end of this month, adding that installation work could begin in May.
The new electronic system is expected to be operational by November, the company said.
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