Siemens Postal, Parcel & Airport Logistics is currently upgrading the baggage handling system at Abu Dhabi International Airport to further enhance convenience, and prepare for expected passenger growth.
Abu Dhabi Airports chief operations officer Ahmad Al Haddabi said: "The upgrade to the baggage handling system throughout the airport is a key innovative and pragmatic initiative to ensure the continuous delivery of efficient flight operations and convenient passenger experience. Abu Dhabi Airports is working closely with Siemens to guarantee that normal airport operations continue to run as smoothly as usual and passengers are not affected while this project is underway."
In Terminal 1 (T1), Siemens is expanding the existing departure system. In addition to new baggage conveyor lines, the company will integrate a fully automated hold baggage screening system, as well as explosive trace detection equipment (ETD).
The new system replaces the current lobby screening in the T1 and T1A levels, which is operated manually by airline staff.
Besides optimised screening operations, the relocation of the screening process offers many other customer benefits. For example, the airport operator can ease passenger movement, and establish new retail facilities to further enhance the airport’s ambiance and passenger experience.
In Terminal 3, the baggage handling system has been tapping into its full potential during peak hours. For that reason, the airport operator has decided to increase the check-in capacity, as well as enhance the sorting and make-up area for departing flights.
Siemens was contracted to upgrade the baggage handling system to double check-in capacity. Both Siemens projects are scheduled for completion by early 2016.
These contracts build on a long history of projects that Siemens has successfully completed at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Recent projects include the new transfer baggage facility, as well as the first US pre-clearance terminal in the Middle East, which allows passengers on US-bound flights to clear immigration and customs at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Furthermore, Siemens takes care of operation and maintenance (O&M) for the baggage and material handling systems at the airport.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is one of the fastest growing airport hubs in the world, currently serving more than 96 destinations in 54 countries. In 2014, more than 20 million passengers used the airport as their origin, destination or transit point for international or domestic flights. An anticipated 30 million passengers are expected in 2017.