Putting passengers first – Gatwick’s new baggage handling system
The newly opened Pier 1 at London’s Gatwick Airport truly shows a move towards a better passenger experience. The Airport’s £183.9 million redevelopment of the South Terminal Pier 1 is now complete and a video tour of this state-of-the-art facility is now available to view.
What makes Gatwick so special is that it’s the first UK airport to integrate an automated early baggage storage system (EBS) based on a CrisBag® tote-based baggage handling system from the Crisplant product range. Not only will the new technology reduce energy consumption, but will give passengers the flexibility to check-in their luggage as early as a day before their flight, so doing away with the standard tight two-hour window for check-in.
The baggage handling system BEUMER Group has installed at the Airport is impressive, housing almost 500 conveyors powered by energy-efficient permanent magnet motors, able to reduce energy consumption by up to 50% compared to a conventional conveyor drive. The integration of an EBS adds the ability to store up to 2600 bags well ahead of flight departure times.
The redevelopment of Pier 1 is part of Gatwick’s ongoing transformation which aims to champion a positive passenger experience, by reducing check-in times and making the airport one of the most efficient in the world. And with Gatwick having handled a record number of passengers in May, it seems that it is more than adequately prepared to meet the demands placed upon it.
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