Terminal 2 is about to accommodate all Terminal 1 traffic
A contract for a completely new Baggage Handling System (BHS) was signed last week by Sofia Airport CEO Jesus Caballero and French Alstef Group CEO Nicolas Breton. The BGN 20 million worth contract includes supply, installation and maintenance of a state-of-the-art passenger baggage management solution.
The implementation of the system brings a major leap for the airport operations in terms of passenger service, security levels and reliability improving on-time the same time performance of all aircraft. While the current BHS is depending on a single obsolete machine, the new one has four of 7 tons total weight and capacity of up to 2.400 bags per hour, enabling movement of millions of secured checked bags annually at Sofia airport.
The system conveys hold luggage from the check-in hall trough 4 levels of security process and maintains built-in triple redundancy thus achieving the highest level of reliability, efficiency and right on the schedule performance. The new BHS allows both full self-service (self-bag drop) at pre-check-in for a flight, and service with check-in agents.
“The baggage management system is key to how the airport operates. We’re buying a cutting-edge technology solution that will make us faster and more efficient for the benefit of our millions of passengers. The project is part of the airport’s overall transformation for which we are investing BGN 150 million by the end of 2025,” said Jesus Caballero at the signing of the contract.
“Alstef Group is delighted to be selected as the baggage handling system technology partner of Sofia Airport and to support the airport’s quest to deliver a more streamlined and enjoyable passenger experience,” states Alstef Group CEO Nicolas Breton.
With the commissioning of this new BHS, Terminal 2 will be able to serve a significantly higher number of passengers than it does now. The implementation of the system is part of the airport’s development plan, which will allow Terminal 2 to take all the traffic from almost 70-year-old Terminal 1 building.