A NEW electronic “screening” system will make its debut in Liverpool today – the first time it has been used at a North West airport.

New technology will be in operation to coincide with the thousands of Italian football fans expected at John Lennon Airport throughout the day.

Passengers who have registered on a computer system during the flight will be fast-tracked at the arrivals hall in the airport.

When they emerge in the passport hall, their details will already be available on a screen, which will speed up the wait and the prospect of long waiting queues.

But Napoli fans will not be using the new pre-checking system, which will be reserved for people on other incoming flights.

But UK Border and Immigration officials are confident the project will speed up any likely delays due to the increased amount of passengers in Speke.

The Italian fans will be processed through a smart zone where their identity cards will be checked.

This is the first time the technology will have been used at any north-west airport, although it has been used in London.