by Brianna Crandall — January 26, 2015—As part of a major renovation project, Southwest Airlines has chosen global technology provider Siemens to install a new baggage handling system in Terminal 1 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The project covers layout, engineering, assembly, commissioning and integration of a completely new outbound baggage screening system, and a new inbound baggage handling system.
“Southwest chose Siemens for this project because they presented a solid team and solution throughout the evaluation process, giving us confidence in their ability to deliver to our standards. They have a proven understanding of airport logistics and a track-record of successful projects, both in the United States and all over the world,” said Don Ostler, Senior Project Manager Southwest Airlines. “They can support our goal of transforming the entire passenger experience, from the curb to the gate, at Los Angeles International Airport. We have worked successfully with Siemens in the past and value them as a reliable partner.”
The extension and conversion work will be performed during ongoing operations, with completion planned for summer 2017. During the construction, Siemens says it will support Southwest Airlines to ensure their daily operation runs smoothly during the transition.
The contract awarded to Siemens Logistics and Airport Solutions is part of a $508 million project to modernize LAX’s Terminal 1, which was originally built in the early 1980s. The renovations of Southwest Airlines — the only carrier operating out of Terminal 1 — includes a relocated terminal entrance, a new security screening checkpoint, new and expanded dining and retail facilities, refurbished arrival and baggage claim areas, and even new passenger boarding bridges. All construction activities are expected to be finished by 2018.
Additional technical information about the project:
- More than 4,800 linear feet of conveyor
- Over 300 energy-efficient drives
- 5 vertical sortation units (VSU)
- 6 high-speed diverters (HSD)
- Inline baggage screening system with 4 Morpho Detection CTX 9800 machines; complies with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) design guidelines Planning Guidelines and Design Standards, PGDS)
Los Angeles International Airport is considered the sixth busiest airport in the world and third in the United States. In 2013, Southwest Airlines was reportedly the fourth busiest carrier at LAX based on passengers enplaned, serving more than 7.4 million passengers, or over 11 percent of the airport’s total passenger volume. The airline serves more than 90 destinations and has a fleet of more than 700 aircraft.
Siemens and Southwest Airlines have collaborated on several projects. One of the most recent projects Siemens completed for Southwest was the baggage handling system in Terminal 1 / Node 5A at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport, which went into operation in 2009.
