Auckland Airport (AKL) Integrated ICS Concept and Developed Design

Overview

Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) brought in BNP to review the baggage handling system (BHS) plans in their Terminal Development Plan. After the review, AIAL requested that BNP develop high-level BHS concept options. These included upgrading the current Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) from ECAC Standard 2 to Standard 3 and connecting the existing system with a new BHS facility to support the move of domestic passengers into the international terminal.

Technology Evaluation and Design

The concept work evaluated various BHS technologies, considering both conventional belt conveyors and Individual Carrier Systems (ICS). To overcome challenging space restrictions and accommodate airline requirements to minimize manual baggage handling, BNP developed a batching solution integrated with an ICS-based bag buffer to optimize make-up operations. This was matched with a redeveloped six-machine HBS system integrated downstream of a reconfigured check-in departures hall. Detailed phasing step plans and BHS cost estimates were developed to provide a pathway for construction and outline a budget through each stage of development.

Data-Driven Design Approach

All design work was data-driven, from the output of BNP’s demand analysis based on flight schedules to the required planning years. These demands were matched with appropriate BHS resources, evaluated against the client’s redundancy requirements, and then developed into a BHS design within the Revit BIM environment to coordinate with the broader design team (architecture, MEP, and structure).

Simulation and Testing

BNP created a dynamic simulation of the chosen design to show how bags would be handled on a typical busy day. The simulation also tested the system’s ability to recover from various types of failures. BNP then worked with AIAL to develop tender material and support the tender process for the procurement of BHS contractor services. During this period, BNP continued to develop the design in coordination with the Building Design Consultant (BDC).

Ongoing Support

Since the award of the BHS contractor, BNP has continued to support AIAL by providing construction administration services.