Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has begun renewing, renovating and further innovating its baggage basements.
The work includes preparations for the construction of a new baggage basement with handling system. According to the Dutch airport, building this new basement means that the existing baggage system can be replaced without causing disruptions to airlines and passengers. Substantial sections of Schiphol's baggage system are due for replacement.
With the construction of the new baggage basement and the renovation of the existing basement, Schiphol is ensuring that, in addition to operational continuity, the working conditions of baggage employees are further improved, the airport said. Work and rest areas will be redesigned and innovative automation and artificial intelligence solutions will provide more support to baggage employees in the future. Solutions include the further development of existing robots in the baggage basement, the production of machines that can unload suitcases, and the development of autonomous vehicles to move carts and containers around the baggage basement.
Schiphol has over 145,000m2 of baggage systems that are divided across various areas. Each area of this system has a useful life of around 30 years. Several of these areas will need to be renovated over the coming years. To continue guaranteeing baggage reliability, Schiphol must first install a completely new and working system elsewhere. After that, the existing systems that require updating can be tackled.
A decision has yet to be made regarding the construction of a new terminal at Schiphol, but the location of the new baggage basement was chosen with this in mind. Vanderlande is to develop the new baggage system and the tender for the construction of the baggage basement will take place this year. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
Image: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
