Abu Dhabi International Airport upgrades baggage handling systems

The work was carried out by Abu Dhabi Airports’ subcontractor Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions.

The state-of-the-art baggage handling systems use highly innovative technology that guarantees smooth baggage flow and helps to deliver an enhanced passenger experience. The existing systems in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 have been expanded to include five new incline carousels, new conveyor connections and the respective control system adaptations. The fully integrated high-speed systems will have a throughput capacity of more than 4,800 items of baggage per hour. The project was completed ahead of schedule and in time for the peak travel season ahead.

The expansion and refurbishment of these vital airport facilities is part of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Capacity Enhancement Programme (CEP) that has been implemented to manage the increasing growth in passenger numbers ahead of the completion of the Midfield Terminal Building. The new systems are also a further example of Abu Dhabi Airports’ determination to deploy innovative solutions at every opportunity.

Eng. Ahmad Al Haddabi, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “AUH has consistently achieved year on year double digit growth in passenger numbers for the last decade. This growth will only continue, with current passenger numbers likely to increase by more than 20% by 2017. Streamlining processes by adopting the latest technological solutions is essential for the efficient operation of our airport against this backdrop of growth. These efforts exemplify our commitment towards delivering the highest levels of customer satisfaction and offering a world class travel experience.”

This year, during the first quarter passenger traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport increased by 21% - a total of 5,521,110 passengers passed through the airport, compared with the same period in 2014.

“Siemens have a proven understanding of airport logistics and a track-record of successful projects around the world and we are delighted to have partnered with them,” Al Haddabi added.
AUH has also renewed a contract with Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions to continue operation and maintenance services for the baggage handling systems at Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and the cargo hub of Abu Dhabi International Airport.