ALSTEF GROUP CHOSEN AS BAGGAGE SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY PARTNER FOR SOFIA AIRPORT UPGRADE

A contract for the supply and installation of a completely new baggage handling system (BHS) for Sofia Airport, Bulgaria’s main international airport, was signed earlier this week by Sofia Airport CEO Jesus Caballero and global baggage handling leader Alstef Group CEO Nicolas Breton. The contract, worth more than €10 million, includes supply, installation, and maintenance of a state- of-the-art passenger baggage management solution.

The updated system will allow both full self-service (self-bag drop) at pre-check-in for a flight and will also allow check-in agent-assisted service. The new technical solution is 70% more efficient than the current one and is fully managed by Alstef Group’s BAGWARE – software control solution. “Alstef Group is delighted to be selected as the baggage handling system technology partner of Sofia Airport and to support the airport’s quest to deliver a more streamlined and enjoyable passenger experience,” states Alstef Group CEO Nicolas Breton.

Together with the replacement of the baggage system, the airport will also begin reconstruction of the check-in area in Terminal 2. In the coming months, the number of check-in counters will be doubled, and relocated to increase passenger comfort. With the commissioning of the new BHS, Terminal 2 will be able to serve a significantly higher number of passengers.

The implementation of the system is in line with both the pace of traffic recovery and the development plans of the capital’s airport. This means that, following the redevelopment, Terminal 2 will be able to accommodate diverted traffic from the nearly 70-year-old Terminal 1.

“The baggage management system is key to how the airport operates. We’re buying a state-of- the-art technology solution that will make us faster and more efficient, and that will benefit our millions of passengers. The project is part of the airport’s overall transformation, for which we are investing 76 million EUR by the end of 2025,” said Sofia Airport CEO Jesus Caballero at the signing of the contract.