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This October, we’re celebrating Airport Safety Week alongside the Australian Airports Association, and while safety might not...
It’s not every day that being told you carry a lot of baggage is a compliment, but Brisbane Airport is an exception to that rule.
While baggage systems might usually be behind security lines, the major developments happening at Brisbane Airport are worth going behind the hoarding to share more.
Right now, our baggage operations and handling systems are undergoing a massive overhaul to ensure more travellers are processed so much easier with enhanced security and reliability.
This transformation is a key element of the broader Future BNE $5 billion investment, which focuses on modernising infrastructure to meet government-mandated standards and the demands of a rapidly growing city, with the population of Brisbane expected to grow by 43% by 2041.
The Central Baggage System (CBS) upgrade of the Domestic Terminal is one of the most ambitious projects currently underway at Brisbane Airport. According to Mohaned ElGubbi, Senior Project Manager at Brisbane Airport, “This is the largest project we’ve ever taken on at the Domestic Terminal. The biggest challenge is keeping everything running smoothly while we do the work, making sure passengers can still fly in and out of Brisbane without disruption to services.”
The project is being rolled out in several phases. First, there’s the building work to create the space needed for the new centralised CBS system. At the same time, they’re upgrading existing systems to make sure the terminal keeps running smoothly.
“The new baggage system is going to give us a lot more capacity to handle the growth of passengers expected to use the terminal in the coming years in an efficient and resilient manner that translates to better baggage management and fewer issues due to down time along with enhances security screening,” said Mohaned.
Helder Lira, Project Director for the Alstef Group, which is handling the project at both terminals, is excited about the cutting-edge technology being brought in. “This isn’t just about swapping out old equipment. We’re putting in some of the most advanced baggage handling systems available, including new scanners that give us 3D images for better security screening,” Helder explained. “One of the big wins for both airlines and passengers is that we’ll be able to process bags faster and more accurately.”
The new system also includes high-level controls that optimise how bags are sorted and routed. Helder shared that the new system will “speed up the process from check-in to being collected by the airline. That’s a huge improvement in reliability for passengers.”
No project of this scale is without its challenges. As Helder put it, “This might be the first time in the world that two projects of this size are being run in parallel by one company. It’s stressful, but the reward when we finish is going to be worth it.”
“Space is limited, and we’re constantly adjusting our plans to ensure everything runs smoothly,” said Helder. “Our team has had to be incredibly resourceful, often securing available areas at short notice to keep the project moving forward,” he added.
Sustainability is a big focus for this upgrade. Louise Kranenburg, the Senior Project Manager at Brisbane Airport for the International Terminal upgrade, highlighted some of the eco-friendly features. “We’ve added low-energy motors and smart maintenance features that not only extend the life of the equipment but also cut down on energy use.
“The system even knows when to shut down automatically when it’s not needed, which saves power and reduces the airport’s carbon footprint” Louise explained
Plus, they’re recycling old equipment, like conveyor belts and steel parts, to make sure this upgrade is as efficient as possible, Louise explained.
What makes this project even trickier is that it’s all happening while the airport is fully operational.
“We’re working in a live environment, which adds a lot of complexity,” Louise said. “We have to coordinate with ground handlers, internal teams, and even external agencies like Border Force. It’s not like building a brand-new airport where you have a blank canvas; we have to work with what’s already here.”
Despite the hurdles, the team is confident they’re on track to deliver a world-class baggage handling system that will keep Brisbane Airport running smoothly for years to come.
While passengers might not notice the changes right away, the benefits of the new system—like faster processing times, better security, and improved reliability—will make a big difference as Brisbane Airport continues to grow.
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