Heathrow has announced plans to build a new dedicated baggage system at its Terminal 2.
The terminal currently uses a 30-year-old system housed within the airport’s Terminal 1, which closed to passengers in 2015 after 47 years of operation.
BEUMER Group has been appointed to deliver the six-year project, with the new system capable of handling 31,000 bags per day when complete.
Heathrow also said that “new technology with greater data analytics means the upgrade will deliver the predictable and reliable service customers need”.
The dedicated T2 baggage system will allow Heathrow to demolish what remains of T1, which will in turn enable the airport to move forward with what it is calling its “new vision for the ‘heart of Heathrow’”.
Long term plans will see more capacity added at T2 (also known as The Queen’s Terminal), and Heathrow’s Central Terminal Area will be transformed with new buildings and infrastructure between the airport’s runways.
The last few months have seen significant changes in the ownership and management of Heathrow, with Ferrovial announcing plans to sell its stake in the airport, and Thomas Woldbye taking over as CEO.
Earlier this month The Financial Times reported that Woldbye has launched an internal review into options for the expansion of Heathrow, with the airport believed to exploring the possibility of “smaller improvements before construction of a controversial third runway is considered”.
Commenting on the news Heathrow’s chief solutions officer, Helen Elsby, said:
“We know our customers want great and reliable journeys and that begins with having world-class facilities. Installing a new dedicated baggage system in Terminal 2 is the next stage in our plans to breathe new life into the beating heart of Heathrow.
“Just like home renovations, we’re improving Heathrow room by room as we continue to build the airport of tomorrow, without interrupting the passengers of today.”