The gateway into New South Wales’ capital city says more SmartGate infrastructure announced by the federal government will improve the processing and facilitation of inbound passengers.

Unveiled this morning, Sydney Airport’s chief executive Kerrie Mather said allowing New Zealand and Australian passport holders to clear customs through a self-service type system will not only cut the waiting time but deliver a better passenger experience.

The SmartGate process was originally introduced to the airport in 2009 and according to the airport takes up to 90 seconds for passengers with microchipped e-passports to pass through.

“We have been working very closely with Customs on implementing this new technology because it improves passenger facilitation and delivers a better passenger experience,” Ms Mather said.  

“We already have a high number of passengers who opt to use SmartGates at Sydney Airport and we expect this to increase as Australian passports are replaced with microchipped e-passports by 2015.