TORONTO — It was two years in the making, and now Toronto Pearson’s new preclearance process is up and running.

This project at Toronto Pearson International Airport is the fourth largest U.S. CBP port of entry to the United States, and was developed to meet new U.S. CBP regulatory requirements and improve passenger flow for U.S.-bound passengers using the preclearance process.

The new system includes several enhancements, including 28 Automated Passport Control Kiosks in Terminal 1, increasing the total number to 56 kiosks. In addition, CATSA screening occurs prior to U.S. CBP processing, meaning that passengers check baggage before moving through security screening, creating a more comfortable experience.

Toronto Pearson worked with airport partners including U.S. CBP, CATSA, the air carrier community, and numerous project teams to ensure a successful implementation of these changes.

U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman and Canada’s Minister of Transport Marc Garneau, were on hand to celebrate the milestone launch on July 19. Also in attendance were Howard Eng, Greater Toronto Airports Authority President and CEO, Angust Watt, Canadian Air Transport Security Authority President, and Randy Howe, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Director of the Preclearance Field Office.

“It’s more important than ever to ensure that our borders effectively facilitate the secure flow of people and goods. The best way to do this is by strengthening our joint approach with our neighbours. The Security In Advance project is a great example of the progress we continue to make on Canada-U.S. border issues,” said Garneau.

Eng also added: “Prioritizing the passenger experience is at the heart of everything we do at Toronto Pearson. With the launch of this initiative, our security and Preclearance processes have become more efficient and passenger-friendly due to enhancements like additional security screening lanes and software that enables more passengers to use our Automated Passport Control kiosks.”