The opening of Heathrow’s Terminal 2 building, the brand new Queen’s Terminal, marks a significant milestone in the history of Siemens in the UK following the successful delivery and implementation of a new state-of-the-art, intelligent baggage handling system capable of processing up to 4,800 bags every hour.
The award-winning project involved the design, supply, building and implementation of all mechanical, electrical and control systems for the new baggage handling system (BHS) by Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics.
Extensive technical works on all phases of the new baggage handling operations by Siemens included the mechanical installation of 116 new check-in desks, more than 1,500 single belt conveyor drives and lifting devices extending more than 5,000m and a range of baggage sorting equipment from vertical sorter units and hoists to a number of automatic tag reader scanners and programme controllers. The operation features large collectors and 5.2km of conveyors, covering 7,540m² and consists of 850t of fabricated steel.
Commenting on the new BHS for Siemens Postal, Parcel and Airport Logistics, managing director Dr Thomas Bayer said: "From drop off to take off, the new passenger terminal sets new standards in the experience of international air travel with reduced transfer times, deskless check-ins and the smallest footprint of any operation of its kind all under one spectacular roof."
The system itself has centralised controls, manual handling aids and highly resilient operational capabilities. When a passenger checks-in, it takes just 15min to transport a bag from the collection level in the T2 mezzanine via a link bridge, which has four baggage lines that run into Terminal 1’s baggage system. It is then processed by the high-level baggage controls involved in Terminal 2’s baggage application software.
The common use, multi-check-in system is designed to enable each of the 23 world airlines of the Star Alliance, to build passenger baggage handling to their unique requirements, giving them maximum flexibility for passenger baggage drop at any assigned desk.
The limited area in which Siemens was able to fit mechanical elements of Terminal 2’s baggage system installation means that passengers only see baggage operations taking place at the 116 check-in desks on T2’s Level 30 and at the ten arrival carousels on Level 10.
Throughout the installation process, the system underwent independent trials to ensure that each of the one million bolts, 1,000t of steel, 5.2km of conveyors and 180,000m of cable functioned as required, and to scrutinise the baggage facility in a working environment. Siemens’ handover of the baggage system took place at the end of last year, followed by the final stages of testing and integration with T1. Operational use commenced on 4 June 2014, when the first flight operated from the terminal.
Acknowledged for its work on such a landmark project for Heathrow, Siemens triumphed at the prestigious 2013 Airport Operators Association (AOA) Awards winning Best Service Provider for the second year running. The company also succeeded at the annual Heathrow Airport Health and Safety awards ceremony winning the Leadership award and judged Highly Commended in both Project and Team categories. The safety awards recognise the company’s outstanding performance and project delivery at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 throughout 2013.
You can find further press material from Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions at: www.siemens.com/press/mobility-logistics/material