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The sky is the limit – a partnership in baggage handling

In 2023, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) handled a total of approximately 75 million passengers. This represents a significant increase from the previous year’s total of around 66 million passengers, marking a 13.7% year-over-year growth. The airport serves as a major international gateway for travellers coming to the United States from Asia, Central America and Australasia. It is also the world’s busiest origin and destination airport, serving people who begin and end their trips in the city.

The airport is owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a department of the City of Los Angeles. The airport plays an integral role in helping to meet Southern California’s regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service and provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders.

As the aviation authority for the nation’s second largest city and hub of one of the world’s most populous metropolitan areas, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is faced with the challenges of providing an airport system to serve a major portion of the Southern California market. LAWA has met this challenge, and at no cost to taxpayers.

Over recent years, LAX has undergone extensive refurbishment and expansion of its facilities to meet passenger and airline demand. The airport is also readying itself for two major events, as Los Angeles is hosting the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a trusted partner, Vanderlande is committed to supporting LAX as it implements its strategic growth and expansion programmes.

In May 2021, Vanderlande delivered a state-of-the-art individual carrier system (ICS) to the West Gates extension of LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal. The project formed part of a wider design-build-operate-maintain (DBOM) contract. The first phase of the ICS was handed over to the airport in January 2021 to service the terminal’s new Midfield Satellite Concourse (MSC). As part of the agreement, Vanderlande took responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the Terminal’s existing BHS back in 2017, stabilizing and enhancing the performance of the system.

“We want to be sure our passengers are happy. They leave on time with their bags and when they’re coming in the other direction, they arrive on time and they get their bags and have a great experience. Happy passengers, on time, with their bags.”

Michael Christensen

Chief Airport Development Officer | LAWA

State-of-the-art systems

Tom Bradley’s new baggage handling system (BHS) enables a smooth and high-speed baggage process that can handle 6,400 bags per hour. Two flight make-up locations are provided through the ICS. These are complemented by two early bag stores – with a combined capacity of 3,100 bags – that are serviced by Vanderlande’s innovative automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS). It was the first time Vanderlande had installed an ICS system with early bag facilities in the US market.

Vanderlande’s partnership with the airport is not exclusive to the Tom Bradley International Terminal. In fact, the company’s relationship with LAX began more than a decade ago, with the implementation of systems at other terminals. Currently, Vanderlande is working to deliver a separate BHS for Terminals 2 and 3 through a project known as “Delta Skyway at LAX”.

The commitment to building a long-term relationship led to the opening of a Vanderlande office at the airport five years ago. The presence of a permanent team adds value by helping to develop a real understanding of local circumstances and people. It knows how construction projects are managed, the local regulations and procedures, and supports the local community with great job opportunities.

Innovation and smarter thinking

Through this partnership, Vanderlande has been in step with the airport as it adopted technologies that are relatively new to the North American market, such as ICS and early bag store options.

This is innovation that leads to better services for airlines and their passengers. A good example is the early bag store solution: people who check in their luggage early are free to go through security and relax in the airport’s more comfortable lounge areas. Next to operational advantages, this also makes great commercial sense for LAX, as passengers get to shop at greater leisure in tax free areas and enjoy other facilities such as bars and restaurants.

“You’re frequently trying to build a project within an existing facility. And that’s where we really depend on the expertise that Vanderlande brings to the table when it comes to projects like that.”

Doug Webster

Chief Operations and Maintenance Officer | LAWA

Sustainability drives change

Vanderlande is committed to delivering a sustainable future across every aspect of its operations. It is also collaborating with customers and suppliers to make the whole value chain more sustainable and prioritises a people-first working culture.

Such commitment chimes with LAX, which has been a pioneer in sustainability since the 1980s . Like Vanderlande, the airport is committed to a net-zero future. It is rolling out initiatives for 100% use of renewable energy and aims to achieve zero-carbon emissions across all its operations.

People-focused activities also form part of the modern thinking on sustainability. Vanderlande is reaching out to local colleges to talk about training and job opportunities. Meanwhile, LAX recycles construction debris and donates surplus food to local charities.

Getting creative through COVID

The COVID pandemic struck while the ICS was being installed at the Tom Bradley International Terminal. The situation required some creative thinking as work practices and installation plans were affected by travel and social distancing restrictions.

The operation and maintenance team had to be trained mostly remotely. In addition, engineers and software specialists had to carry out their integration tests off site by dialling into the system. On site engineers used handsfree tablets to connect with experts overseas. COVID also meant that the ICS go-live strategy had to be changed as phasing became a fluid operation. By working together, Vanderlande and the LAX team came up with a phasing plan that matched the airport’s requirements.

Despite the challenges, Tom Bradley International Terminal now has a state-of-the-art BHS that will help the airport meet future demand. LAX is ready to welcome thousands of visitors to the forthcoming global sporting showpieces, as well as those who wish to enjoy the city’s many regular attractions.

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