Case Study
Challenge
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the 11th busiest airport in the United States, reached record levels of nearly 53 million passengers and handled 36 million bags in 2024. Forecasts predict that 2025 volumes will be even higher. SEA’s recent growth was stretching the airport’s infrastructure thin and led the Port of Seattle to invest nearly $5 billion in capital improvements.
53
million passengers
36
million bags
$190 million
US Dollar BHS investment
Challenge
Primary Drivers
- Increased passenger traffic
- Outdated technology
- Need for security improvements
- Integration of Southwest Airlines
into central screening system
In January 2021, the Baggage Handling System (BHS) installation began in partnership with the Port of Seattle, Hensel Phelps and the key installation subcontractors IPC Lydon and VECA Electric & Technologies. Daifuku worked closely with the Port of Seattle and the team to create a consolidated baggage screening and sortation system that would allow bags to be checked in at any location and moved to the bag room.
Solution
A consolidated baggage screening and sortation system
This is the second phase of a three-phase project to accomplish this goal. Previously, the BHS was segmented by area so each carrier was restricted to certain ticket counters, makeup units, and sort pier destinations for baggage pickup. Final completion for BOP2 was achieved in November 2024. The next phase is due to begin in mid-2025 and is expected to be complete in September 2029.
Airport technology focus area
Contact
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