New outbound baggage handling system for Austin-Bergstrom

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and its construction partners, Whiting-Turner and Siemens Logistics, have celebrated the start of the delivery and installation of the new outbound baggage handling system.

After processing outbound passenger bags for over twenty years, the baggage handling system at AUS is being replaced with an upgraded system to meet modern industry standards. This project joins other projects that will improve and modernise AUS through the multi-year Journey With AUS airport improvement programme.

The addition of conveyor belts, increased square footage and reconfiguration of new and existing belts will increase output by 800 more bags processed in the near-term, eventually processing up to 4,000 bags per hour once the system is completed.

The Texas gateway notes that the new system will increase its capacity to screen more bags and the reliability of baggage handling operations.

“As AUS continues to accommodate the growing, unprecedented demand for travel, we’re thrilled to launch one of our first projects under our Journey with AUS airport improvement programme,” said Jacqueline Yaft, CEO of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

“The outbound baggage handling system is critical for sustaining passenger growth and will increase reliability, improve the flow of airport operations and in turn, create a better experience for passengers at AUS. This is just one of many investments we have planned for our airport in the coming years.”

Preparation and pre-construction has been ongoing since December 2021, when tenant relocation and reconfiguration of the existing space began.

The project will create new terminal square feet to house the new system, which will present opportunities for the airport to expand TSA Checkpoint 3.  The initial part of the new system is anticipated to being processing bags in late 2024.