Optimizing Baggage Handling Systems: Insights from Aviation Leaders

The Weitz Company’s resident Baggage Handling Systems (BHS) subject matter expert, Pat Marino, recently joined a panel of aviation construction leaders at the BHS Annual Summit hosted by IABSC to discuss industry leading best practices to ensure every passenger’s experience ends on the right note!

Pat was joined by co-panelists, Scott Goodwin with the Greater Orlando Airport Authority, Andy Mena with American Airlines, Abel Garcia with V-1 Consulting, Joseph Butler with Jacobs, and John Blakemore with Daifuku Airport America Corporation. The panelists touched on a variety of topics and challenges facing modern BHS design and construction as airports see increasing passenger throughput. The discussion also highlighted several solutions and best practices in BHS design and construction outlined below:

Early Involvement of Contractors and Operations and Maintenance (O&M)

Gathering input from these two key groups, ideally starting at the schematic design phase, can increase a system’s overall efficiency and reduce costs that often arise due to rework.

Benefits of Early Collaboration

Early engagement with contractors and O&M early helps refine space planning and scheduling. This can lead to significantly reduced project timelines, sometimes shaving off weeks or months! Additionally, by opening lines of communication earlier, designers will have a better understanding of everything a BHS contractor can or cannot do; building the design around those capabilities resulting in less rework later on.

Impact on Cost & Efficiency

Early involvement of all stakeholders results in better pricing and streamlined execution. Earlier and more frequent collaboration between teams has proven to help identify efficient construction methods early, laying a solid foundation for the entire project.

Pat has worked with almost 20 airports and multiple airlines around the globe to expand operational excellence and passenger experience, specializing in baggage handling systems throughout his 40-year tenure. Learn more about Weitz’s team of Aviation experts at: https://www.weitz.com/weitz-expanding-aviation-construction-team-of-experts/