The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has selected Siemens to create a €40m baggage system for the €395m Terminal 2, which is currently under construction.
Under the new system, luggage will be transported along 6km of conveyor belts, checked through security and automatically sorted for different destinations.
"Using advanced and intelligent IT and automation systems, the new package will help to speed up ground handling related processes for arriving, departing and connecting passengers," the DAA says.
According to the Irish Independent, Siemens says it does not expect the system to suffer the same problems that plagued the opening of London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 earlier this year.
At T5, more than 23,000 bags were misplaced and check-in baggage was banned from scores of flights as the terminal's high-tech baggage system collapsed, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
"Naturally we cannot comment on any other company's products, however, Siemens is the global technology leader in this market and has a proven track record in developing the most efficient and effective products in this area," Siemens says.
"[The] DAA's strategy from the outset of specifying proven technologies coupled with a construction programme which allows for a substantial period of operational readiness to allow for adequate training and testing will mitigate the risk of any issues arising when Terminal 2 goes live in April 2010."
Terminal 2 is expected to open in April 2010.
By staff writer
