b'16 SAN BAGGAGE Early Engagement Leads to On-Time, Under-Budget Delivery of New Baggage Handling System at San Diego Intl BY JENNIFER DAACK WOOLSONFor many industry-watchers,Joshua Spoonscreening lanes. The system also ensures the most impressive aspect offrom AECOM, whofully automated delivery of baggage to the new $95 million baggageserved as terminaland from airlines, minimizing delays and handling system at San Diego Internationalbuilding systemsmissed flights by rerouting bags around Airport (SAN) isnt the technology orproject manager onproblem areas when issues arise.massive scope of the project. Its theSANs Airport DesignEnhanced security compliance and collaboration, transparency and strategicand Constructionoperational efficiency are key benefits, timing used to get the project to the finishteam, says the goalJOSHUA SPOON as demonstrated by the 99.7% tracking line on time and under budget for thewas to deliver aaccuracy the system achieved during debut of the overall Terminal 1 renovation inhighly efficient, TSA-compliant systemits TSA Integrated System Acceptance September 2025. with in-line screening, radio frequencyTest. Built-in adaptability and redundancy Engineered by Introba and Vanderlandeidentification bag tracking and built- further stabilize operations, even during Industries Inc. in a collaborativein redundancy for resilience. But thepeak demand. Just as importantly, the Design-Assist arrangement, the newlimited footprint of the terminal requireddesign anticipates growth. Additional handling system includes conveyancea creative solution. SAN is a compactspace for future claim devices, X-ray for a Smart Curb check-in facility, mainairport that maximizes its space, andmachines and expanded TSA capacity terminal ticketing, a baggage tunnel, sixthis project introduced a completely newwas included from the outset. As Spoon outbound makeup units, two transferdesign approach, he says. Building aputs it, This forward-thinking approach lines, nine inbound claim devices, andbelow-grade level for the system enabledensures the airport can meet increasing a Checked Baggage Inspection Systemefficient curb-to-plane operations andpassenger volumes with minimal impact.equipped with seven explosives detectionlong-term flexibility.But seeing the project through had machines and a full Checked BaggageThe benefits to passengers andas many twists and turns as the nearly Resolution Area. Turner Construction, theoperations are significant, Spoon says.four miles of conveyor belts within the construction contractor, and Introba wereTravelers will see a smoother curb-to- baggage handling system itself. engaged early to support design-buildcheckpoint experience thanks to faster integration. automated sortation and more advanced January | February 2026AirportImprovement.com'