Vanderlande Signs 20-year Framework Agreement with Brussels Airport

May 28, 2019
Vanderlande has been awarded the contract to execute a significant upgrade to the baggage handling system (BHS) at Brussels Airport.

Veghel, May 28, 2019 – Vanderlande has been awarded the contract to execute a significant upgrade to the baggage handling system (BHS) at Brussels Airport. This forms a key part of a 20-year framework agreement signed between the Brussels Airport Company (BAC) and Vanderlande in March 2019. The proposed operational improvements will allow the airport to handle an expected growth in annual passenger numbers from 25 to 40 million within the next 25 years.

To continue to deliver excellent and compliant airport operations and aeronautical infrastructure on a daily basis, Brussels Airport is rolling out a large-scale investment programme. This includes the replacement of the existing conventional BHS with Vanderlande’s TUBTRAX technology, an upgrade to the high-level controls, and the integration of new hold baggage screening (HBS) machines to comply with the latest EU Standard 3 regulations.

The new BHS system will connect the existing check-in and transfer areas with the new HBS systems and the existing sorters, make-up carousels and the sortation area in Pier A. By transporting one item of baggage per tote, TUBTRAX ensures complete track and trace of each piece of luggage at any time, regardless of its location in the system.

On this project, Vanderlande will cooperate closely with ENGIE Fabricom Airport Solutions, a key supplier in respect to BHS-related activities at Brussels Airport. In addition, integration of the new system will be executed during live operations at the airport, which requires a high level of brownfield experience in terms of both hardware and software. With this in mind, the strengths of Vanderlande and ENGIE Fabricom have been combined to create synergy and offer the best overall solution to Brussels Airport.

Vanderlande’s Executive Vice President Airports and Member of the Board Andrew Manship adds: “Brussels Airport has a clear vision on its future and we look forward to playing a vital role in support of this. We are proud to have the confidence of Brussels Airport Company as a long term partner. As passenger numbers continue to rise globally, we are proud to be recognised for our cutting-edge solutions, as well as our experience and expertise in this field.”