Logistics automation and baggage handling specialist Vanderlande has been awarded the contract to deliver a baggage handling system (BHS) to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSIA), Australia.
The greenfield project is being undertaken in several phases and is expected to enter operational readiness and acceptance trials (ORAT) in late 2024, before opening to international, domestic and freight services in late 2026. Vanderlande is delivering a range of solutions as part of the BHS package.
Based on the company’s shuttle technology, the heart of the system will be the Adapto Bagstore, which Vanderlande says will provide flexibility and scalability, high storage density and 100% redundancy. The system will also give WSIA the ability to ‘batch build’ baggage, ensuring efficient use of resources. The airport will also be able to deploy the emerging service of ‘reclaim on demand’, due to the system’s ability to store inbound bags. Vanderlande’s high-speed Tubtrax individual carrier system (ICS) works in harmony to allow in-tub screening. Furthermore, all Vanderlande solutions are integrated with the company’s high-level controls platform, Vibes, a software solution that covers the complete baggage process and interfaces directly with airport and airline IT systems.
The system will also include out-of-gauge baggage handling utilizing the Fleet Bag AV technology, speed loaders for efficient unit load device (ULD) loading, and a central make-up area for economic use of resources. It will even link to a subsystem where couriers will be able to drop off bags, enabling WSIA to provide the option of remote check-in and bag-drop services. Vanderlande notes it will also integrate self bag drop and in-tub baggage screening into its system.
“As a strong local partner, we understand and share Western Sydney Airport’s vision,” said Vanderlande’s EVP airport and parcel solutions and member of the board, Andrew Manship. “We are committed to working transparently and collaboratively to deliver the highest levels of passenger satisfaction through best-in-class baggage performance. This is not only about technology but also understanding how our solutions can make WSIA a great place to work, and support the wider Sydney community.”