Southwest Airlines® has chosen Siemens to install a new baggage handling system in Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The project covers layout, engineering, assembly, commissioning, and integration of a completely new outbound baggage screening system and a new inbound baggage handling system. The extension and conversion work will be performed during ongoing operations with completion planned for summer 2017.
"This order is a great success for Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions. It is of particular importance since the US American airport market is the biggest one worldwide," stated Michael Reichle, CEO of Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions.
"Southwest Airlines chose Siemens for this project because they presented a solid team and solution throughout the evaluation process, giving us confidence in their ability to deliver to our standards. They have a proven understanding of airport logistics and a track-record of successful projects, both in the US and all over the world," said Don Ostler, senior project manager Southwest Airlines. "They can support our goal of transforming the entire passenger experience, from the curb to the gate, at Los Angeles International Airport. We have worked successfully with Siemens in the past and value them as a reliable partner." During the construction, Siemens will support Southwest Airlines to ensure their daily operation runs smoothly during the transition.
The contract awarded to Siemens is part of a $508 million project to modernise LAX’ Terminal 1, which was originally built in the early 1980s. The renovations of Southwest Airlines, the only carrier operating out of Terminal 1, includes a relocated terminal entrance, a new security screening checkpoint, new and expanded dining and retail facilities, refurbished arrival and baggage claim areas, and even new passenger boarding bridges. All construction activities will be finished by 2018.
Los Angeles International Airport is the sixth busiest airport in the world, and the third in the US. In 2013, Southwest Airlines was the fourth busiest carrier at LAX based on passengers enplaned, serving more than 7.4 million passengers, or over 11% of the airport’s total passenger volume. The airline serves more than 90 destinations and has a fleet of more than 700 aircraft.
Siemens and Southwest Airlines have collaborated on several projects. One of the most recent projects Siemens completed for Southwest was the baggage handling system in Terminal 1 / Node 5A at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which went into operation in 2009.