The FAA has awarded over 25 airports with more than $465 million in grant funding for the replacement or upgrading of baggage handling systems.
The funding programme gives airports the opportunity to make improvements and modernise facilities for a more efficient passenger experience at a moment when some systems are 30 years old and nearing the end of their usefulness.
For example, the Denver International Airport in Colorado was recently awarded $124 million to replace the baggage handling system with a more energy efficient system to accommodate additional passengers.
“We’re helping travelers reunite with loved ones quicker, start vacations sooner, and make crucial appointments,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E., on the importance of maintaining and modernising baggage handling systems. “The last thing anybody wants is the stress of a luggage delay.”
Other examples of airports receiving grants include:
$639,000 to La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin: This grant funds rehabilitating the existing terminal building baggage handling equipment to allow for the efficient movement of baggage.
$7.4 million to Colorado Springs Municipal Airport in Colorado: This grant funds replacing the existing terminal building baggage handling system that has reached the end of its useful life to provide for more efficient and reliable movement of baggage.
$4.4 million to Lawton-Fort Still Regional Airport in Oklahoma: This grant funds completing the final phase of the terminal modernisation and expansion project which includes a new baggage claim area. The terminal modernisation and expansion project includes a building expansion with a new baggage claim and meeter-greeter areas, a new and expanded security checkpoint and hold room expansion that accommodates two airline gates. This award will provide funding to complete the final phase, which includes an expanded airline counter, office spaces, conveyor systems for departures, a passenger boarding bridge, and curbside area updates.
$6.4 million to Harrisburg International Airport in Pennsylvania: This grant funds replacing the baggage handling system with energy efficient components. Additionally, it includes the replacement of drive motors, automatic tag readers, and photo-sensors, with more energy efficient technology.
