Vanderlande Case Study - 70MB programme equips Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for the future

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol has long been at the heart of Europe’s aviation industry. Serving 323 destinations and almost 100 airlines, it welcomed 63 million passengers in 2016.

However, growth has been higher than anticipated in recent times, and the airport has to balance this with other factors. By partnering with Vanderlande, Schiphol aims to safeguard its position for many decades to come.

A balancing act

One of Schiphol’s main challenges was to ensure that its capacity was sufficient for future growth. Alongside this, it wanted to reduce the cost per bag and mishandled bag rates, while improving the reliability of the overall system. Enhancing the working conditions for ground staff was another vital consideration.

To achieve its multiple aims and objectives, the separate baggage areas at Schiphol had to be seamlessly connected. The airport’s ambition was to develop a state-of-the-art system that provided improved baggage control, enhanced flexibility and offered in-built redundancy.

A monumental project

Schiphol defined the 70MB (70 Million Bags) programme. This was a monumental undertaking that comprised four large-scale projects across multiple locations. These were: Transfer Screening D-pier; Unloading Quays E-pier; the South Baggage Hall; and the Backbone system.

A separate project began in 2002, when Vanderlande was contracted to redesign the baggage handling system in Departures 3 (West). This was to meet 100% hold baggage screening (HBS) requirements.

Within each project, various Vanderlande technology was introduced. This included TUBTRAX, BAGTRAX and robotic handling units. One of the key features has been the introduction of a ‘pull’ philosophy in which bags can be stored and ‘pulled’ out when required.

At a later date, Schiphol also requested VIBES high-level controls software. In addition, Vanderlande has a dedicated site-based service team on site comprising 75 full-time employees.

A wealth of benefits

The 70MB programme has delivered numerous benefits to Schiphol. Passenger volumes have been increased, as well as the levels of flexibility and capacity. The Backbone project has also contributed to a decrease in connection times.

The strain on the airport’s ground staff has been reduced, and VIBES facilitates better data analysis and faster connection times. Vanderlande’s site-based life-cycle services team also gives the airport peace of mind.

A joint goal

The 70MB programme continues the 50-year partnership between the two organisations. “Vanderlande are highly capable, proactive and pleasant to work with,” says Schiphol’s Senior Manager Support and Resource Allocation Sanne Patijn. “We remain partners with a joint goal to deliver the best baggage handling process to our customers.”

Do you want to read more about the solutions Vanderlande delivered for the 70MB programme of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol? Download the case study!