b'28 MCO BAGGAGE connecting it to the existing baggage handling system wereIE5+ Technologyinstalling right now. Given its high volume of leisure travelers, MCO opted to outfit the new baggage system with large 61-inch totes that can accommodate standard-sized and oversized items. This means that golf clubs, strollers and wheelchairs will arrive at the baggageEngineered for Airport Conveyor Applicationscarousel along with passengers other luggage. We made a custom-made carrier that will become our standard for the future, Apezteguia explains. It is capable of carrying up to 98% of all of the luggage that goes through Orlando International. ConstructionThe Greater Orlando Aviation Authority structured the South Terminal baggage system project as a construction manager at risk contract, with Vanderlande serving as the design-build-The totes can carry oversized items such as golf clubs and strollersoperate-maintain (DBOM) contractor. We had our architect as well as standard-size checked bags.take the concept and advance it at the same time as the DBOM initiated their design, and then we just overlayed them together, of ownership is less due to savings associated with energyRuohomaki explains. consumption and maintenance. He estimates the break-even period at about 4.5 years.He estimates that having Vanderlande operate and maintain the system will save the airport about 50% in labor costs. Apezteguia notes that the South Terminals baggage handling system is highly flexible and expandable. If they [MCO officials]Construction required close collaboration with the team building want to expand to the north, south or west, we can expandthe new South Terminalnot only to ensure that the baggage without difficulty, because its just adding more conveyor andhandling system would be appropriately accommodated, but that its installation would not interfere with or be impeded by other construction. When we got the contract awarded, we started a lot of coordination to make sure everything would fit in the South Designed for the FutureTerminal, and made sure we created a right-of-way, Apezteguia recalls. Installation began in mid-2019, and the system was undergoing TSA certification in early spring 2022.Apezteguia stresses the importance of weekly coordination meetings with stakeholders to keep all aspects of the project on task. Despite the large number of entities involved throughout the project, he says the open-book, transparent way of working promoted by the Aviation Authority contributed to success. BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM Lessons LearnedDESIGN / CONSULTATION / ANALYSIS/Reflecting on the project thus far, Ruohomaki emphasizes the value ASSESSMENT / OAR SERVICES of strategic planning. This paid off in spades regarding equipment procurement. Because Vanderlande purchased equipment forIntelligently controlled, high efficiencyMaintained for Performancethe project early and was able to store it in a recently renovated warehouse space at the airport, supply chain issues currentlysolutions for conveyor applicationshampering other projects have not been an issue at MCO. Deemed essential, work on the baggage system and other South TerminalReduced Total Cost of Ownership andprojects continued throughout the pandemic, with increased health and safety protocols.fast Return on Investment Ruohomaki also stresses the importance of communication and teamwork, no matter how clich it sounds. On that note, heReduction of variants through constant says that TSA and the airport have tackled the learning curvetorque over a wide speed rangeassociated with new baggage handling technology together. BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM / Weve modified some of their processes, and weve adapted PASSENGER BOARDING BRIDGEsome of ours, he remarks. Its a true partnership.Ventilated synchronous motors for quiet, OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Airport Services Editors Note: Stay tuned for details about the rest of MCOscool operationwww.jsmandassociates.comsolutions@jsmairports.com South Terminal Complex in our upcoming July/August 2022 issue. Contact us today! 888-314-6673 or info.us@nord.com www.nord.comMay | June 2022AirportImprovement.com'