Beumer Group, a leading supplier of automated baggage handling systems, has installed a CrisBag Early Bag Store (EBS) and other technology as part of Gatwick Airport’s £186m (US$231m) South Terminal Pier 1 development.
CrisBag is the first EBS to be installed at the London airport, with 2,600 spaces enabling the advance checking of baggage up to 18 hours before departure.
The system, which can be viewed by passengers through newly-installed windows as they navigate the airport, has the potential to spread check-in times and reduce queues. Beumer also designed and integrated a series of CrisBelt conveyors, powered by energy-efficient Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs), which use around 50% less power than a conventional conveyor drive or gearbox. The baggage handling system at South Terminal is now capable of handling 4,240 pieces of luggage per hour.
Peter Gilks, managing director of Beumer Group UK’s airports division, said, “The new systems in Gatwick’s Pier 1 combine some of the most advanced and energy-efficient baggage handling technologies available. It is particularly satisfying, therefore, that Gatwick has chosen to give passengers a rare insight into the technology that helps to make sure that bags reach their flight safely.”
Paul Morgan, senior EPC Manager at Gatwick Airport, added, “Beumer has helped us deliver one of the largest projects this airport has ever undertaken and we are extremely proud of the new state-of-the-art baggage system and EBS. The system will significantly enhance the baggage operation in the South Terminal as Gatwick continues to grow the number of passengers who fly from the airport.”