CASE STUDY: BRISBANE AIRPORT B A new centralized baggage system replaces three separate baggage systems originally installed in the 1980s RIGHT risbane Airport (BNE) in Australia has begun the biggest transformation in its history. A$5bn (US$3.3bn) is being invested in the 10-year Future BNE program, which comprises more than 150 projects. These include upgrades to its domestic and international terminals, plus work on a third terminal set to open just before Brisbane hosts the Olympics in 2032. Kicking things off is the domestic terminal precinct upgrade, which will support Queensland’s growing population and the rising number of passengers who will pass through its doors. Passenger numbers currently stand at 20 million a year and this is expected to grow by a further 10 million over the coming decade. Let the work commence After almost five years of planning, the project entered the delivery phase in September 2023 and aims to transform the 35-year-old terminal. “This has come with some challenges,” notes Heidi Stone, senior project manager at Brisbane Airport Corporation. “We have a lot of aging infrastructure that’s end-of-life. So, as part of this project, and to support the new equipment we’re introducing, we need to upgrade a lot of that.” “The domestic terminal opened just before World Expo ’88,” continues Gert-Jan de Graaff, Brisbane Airport Corporation’s CEO. “It’s a beautiful building but not so practical today. We’re Heidi Stone, Brisbane Airport Corporation touching almost every part of the terminal with this redevelopment. The interior will completely change; only the walls and ceiling will remain the same.” The most significant structural alteration to the building is a new mezzanine level, but ultimately the project aims to transform the way the entire terminal looks, functions The domestic terminal project was sparked by the and operates. Australian government’s Strengthening Aviation Security In addition to the mezzanine, which will offer direct Initiative, which has mandated the implementation of entry to security screening for checked-in passengers with advanced security systems by December 2025 to provide carry-on luggage, the project also includes a new BHS (see passengers with a uniform security experience across all Redesigning the baggage handling system , opposite), security major airports in the country. system and expanded self check-in and automated This will require the installation of new CT technology bag-drop points, plus upgrades to departure gate lounges, in Brisbane – a contract awarded to Rapiscan Systems – retail, food and beverage and bathrooms, as well as an which will not only improve security screening but also extension to the multilevel parking garage. provide a more streamlined process that will enable This work will take place in stages over a two-year passengers to leave most items in their hand luggage, period, with public-facing works expected to ramp up including aerosols and laptops. as this year progresses. The new equipment will be longer, bulkier and heavier than that currently in place at BNE, and won’t fit in the same Stage 1 location. This led to the idea of building a new mezzanine Airside works came first, which included enabling works level specifically for the new equipment. This will also for the new baggage system. This entailed building either provide direct access to security screening from the side of the existing airside pier, moving a light pole Skywalk walkway – which connects the parking garage and changing the airside road to create space for the to the terminal – for passengers who have already checked new system. in and are traveling with carry-on luggage only. We have a lot of aging infrastructure that’s end-of-life BNE estimates that it will serve 50 million passengers per year by 2040 20 Passenger Terminal World APRIL 2024 www.PassengerTerminalToday.com