Indianapolis Airport Awards Siemens $22.8 Million Contract For 'Green' Baggage Handling System

Siemens Energy & Automation's Airport Logistics Division (Atlanta) was awarded a $22.8 million contract from the Indianapolis International Airport (IAA) for a new baggage handling and in-line security screening system designed for the new Midfield Terminal, part of the New Indianapolis Airport Project. The project, which is expected to be completed by late 2008, is intended to drive the airport's effort towards LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

The $1 billion project includes new terminal between the airports' twin parallel runways as well as a new air traffic control tower and a new highway access system. The additions will almost double the size of the current facility, replacing the existing 750,000 sq.ft., 32-gate terminal with a 1.2 million square foot, 40-gate terminal.

Siemens will provide more than 13,000 feet of baggage handling conveyor and unique high-speed diverters to route all checked baggage through explosive detection systems equipment. These systems will reportedly make check-in easier for passengers and open up the airport lobby to improve the flow of traffic. Additionally, Siemens will provide six baggage claim units and an integrated software solution that monitors, controls and reports on system activity.

"Siemens' first priority is to provide Indianapolis with the most sophisticated technologies, project management and customer support to minimize project risks and disruption to the airport's normal operations," said Art Kostaras, executive vice president, Airport Logistics Division, Siemens Energy & Automation, Inc. "Furthermore, Siemens is using energy efficient components and recycled materials for the baggage handling system to help the Indianapolis Airport achieve one of the first LEED certified airports in the country."

In 2005, the Indianapolis International Airport served more than 8.5 million passengers, representing a 6.2 percent increase in passenger traffic from 2004. IAA currently offers flights to 39 non-stop destinations and is one of the top 50 airports in the U.S. in terms of passenger traffic.