Fujian rolls out smart tele-inspection system for aircraft

Flight MF8682 from Macao landed at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport on Dec 8, where customs officers conducted an inbound health inspection using a new smart tele-inspection system for aircraft, marking the system's rollout for aircraft in Fujian province.

Using a digital inspection network that integrates remote temperature monitoring, on-site data collection terminals, and handheld devices powered by 5G and AI, customs officers can conduct full health inspections remotely, adhering to standard enforcement protocols.

Compared with traditional on-board checks, the system enables inspection upon arrival, relieving staffing pressures while shortening the time passengers spend waiting for on-board health inspections. Authorities estimate the system will reduce over 2,000 manual on-board inspections each year and save more than 800 hours of passenger waiting time, enhancing both the traveler experience and airport operational efficiency.

Beyond passenger flights, the tele-inspection system has been widely applied to inbound cargo operations.

When the vessel Tanxu, loaded with 71,700 tons of coal, arrived at Bafang Port in Putian, customs implemented the system, completing inbound health inspections in just 20 minutes.

Since the start of the year, ports under Fuzhou Customs have used the system for more than 490 arriving vessels, saving over 5,713 hours of inspection time and reducing costs — including charter, berthing, and demurrage fees — by more than 100 million yuan ($14.16 million).