Melbourne Airport has started work on a major upgrade to its baggage handling process that will see a “state-of-the-art” bag tracking initiative replace the current system of conveyor belts within the international terminal.
The Victorian hub says the $500 million project will create an “individual carrier system” that tracks luggage whilst on the ground. This will lead to an overall improvement in safety and reliability around baggage handling, Melbourne Airport says.
Thanks to the system’s new bag storage areas, international passengers will also be able to check in earlier for their flights.
MEL expects some disruption for passengers as it closes one of its domestic gates to facilitate a larger international terminal.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said there would be fewer lost bags under the new process.
“Once the new system is operational, we will be able to track every bag at every moment of the journey from check-in to the aircraft,” she said.
“Bags will be stored in a central holding area before being automatically sent to their flight so we will be able to accept them for check-in much earlier than we currently do, providing passengers and airlines with more flexibility.
“Our team will work hard to minimise disruption, but this will be a challenging project because our baggage system is effectively the terminal arteries, so it is like doing open heart surgery while running a marathon.”
MEL growing
According to the New Daily, Argus told reporters in Melbourne on Friday that the new system was already in place at San Francisco and Toronto airports.
Due for completion in 2027, the project begins as the airport welcomes new and resumed international services and races to balance capacity with booming demand.
The airport says it will shortly begin discussions with airlines around requirements for future terminal expansions and processing improvements.
It is also hoping for a decision on its third runway proposal later this year.
As it continues its march back towards 2019 traffic levels, Melbourne Airport recently set a new post-pandemic record for monthly aircraft movements.
