Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics (SPPAL) has been awarded a new contract to improve the functionality of the baggage handling system (BHS) operating in the North Terminal at London Gatwick Airport.
The project includes replacing emergency-stop modules and upgrading existing emergency-stop channels to reduce downtime in the event of a failure and to maintain baggage throughput of 75% during such circumstances.
Iain McLeod, project manager, baggage, SPPAL, said, “Siemens is supplying the very latest equipment to dramatically reduce the impact of stoppages and emergencies on the throughput of the baggage system and in turn improve the overall throughput performance and efficiency of the baggage handling operations operating at the North Terminal.”
London Gatwick also renewed a service contract with Siemens to provide engineering support for the operation of the BHS at both the South and North Terminals for a further 12 months with an option to extend the contract.
The two new contracts follow the completion of the South Terminal check-in project by SPPAL in May 2016, which included the refurbishment of the existing baggage handling controls technology and the supply and replacement of new baggage conveyors and mechanical equipment.
“London Gatwick is the busiest single runway airport in the world and Siemens is supplying the very latest equipment to provide the terminal with reliability and efficiency for the coming years,” added McLeod. “London Gatwick relied on the team at Siemens to carry out this detailed work ahead of the busy summer season to help plan for further improvements later in the year.”
Adam Hill, programme manager of baggage at London Gatwick, said, “The timely completion of the works by Siemens has enabled London Gatwick to enhance check-in reliability and maintainability with the latest equipment installed throughout the South Terminal check-in areas. This has improved the overall performance and efficiency of the baggage handling operations, benefiting both travelers and airlines.”