b'BAGGAGESRQ33costs, fewer CO2 emissions, and longer motor life, she details.immediately benefit from a more dependable baggage handling The system is also equipped with several high-speed diverters andsystem and reduced chances of mishandled luggage, she adds.vertical sortation units to aid bag sorting. Consolidation was an overarching theme of the baggageConstruction Challenges and Solutionsupgrades at SRQ. Under the old system, three separate podsArcher Westerns crews executed the expansion project while meant a single Explosives Detection System failure could bringkeeping the airport operational. However, as is often the case with an entire airlines luggage processing to a halt. Now, the threeolder structures, the current conditions did not perfectly align with new Explosives Detection System lines are fully integrated,as-built documentation. Martucci notes that some discrepancies creating robust redundancy with fewer single points of failure. Ifcould have been due to minor renovations and repairs over the one line goes down for maintenance, baggage is automaticallyyears, as is with many older structures, adding an element of diverted to the other two.unpredictability. Designing with the future in mind, VTC included enoughPhased closures of select baggage pods forced airlines space to accommodate a fourth Explosives Detection Systemto share reduced spacetwo-thirds of their usual allotment. in case the airports demand exceeds forecasted levels. ThisNaturally, this required coordination to avoid congestion and modernization and consolidation project increases capacityconfusion, so airport staff stepped in to manually move bags to support existing demand and future growth for the next 20while small sections of conveyor were under construction. In years, Dufinetz explains. the terminal, signage was put in place to guide passengers and maintain the customer experience. Despite these challenges, The new system will benefit travelers and airport stakeholdersthe stakeholders recognized that temporary inconveniences alike. With fewer delays and quicker processing times,were a necessary step toward the long-term improvement and passengers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their bags willdemonstrated remarkable patience and understanding throughout be handled swiftly and securely, Martucci remarks. Althoughthe construction of the new system, Martucci comments.travelers will not be aware of behind-the-scene changes, they ARE YOUREADY?Adapting for future needs can be challenging.Emerging aviation technologies and initiatives are putting an increased focus on energy resilience, energymanagement, electrification requirements and asset management. Contact us to start planning a roadmap to accommodate for your airports future.Airport Improvement Are You Ready Ad March 2025.indd 1 3/3/2025 1:14:49 PMAirportImprovement.comMarch | April 2025'