Optimising Baggage Operations at T2

The challenge

Heathrow Airport, a global hub with a vision to be an extraordinary airport, fit for the future faced a critical infrastructure challenge at its award-winning Terminal 2. The terminal’s baggage handling system relied on aging infrastructure from the former Terminal 1, which is nearing the end of its operational life. An upgrade was essential to maintain reliable on-time performance for the millions of passengers passing through each year.

They required a future-proof solution that was not only technologically sound but also operationally efficient and financially sustainable whilst building in a space efficient way. The key question was: which operational concept would deliver the best performance and the greatest long-term value?

Heathrow needed to move beyond theoretical planning and make a strategic decision based on robust, real-world data.

The solution

Heathrow partnered with AiQ Consulting, specialists in airport analytics and operational efficiency, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of future baggage handling options for Terminal 2. The objective was to provide clear, data-driven insights to  assist the decision making in the strategic direction of the project.

Using its bespoke baggage modelling tool, TransvisionAir®, AiQ undertook a multi-faceted study that analysed several distinct operational concepts under various passenger load scenarios (High, Mid and Low bag volumes).

The core of AiQ’s approach was its reliance on actual bag and flight manifest data. Instead of relying on simulations, the model processed real-world, time-stamped information from peak operational days. This provided a picture of bag flows, turn-up profiles and system demand.

The analysis evaluated several potential operating models:

1. A Baseline Model: Reflecting the current Terminal 2 baggage operations.
2. A Hybrid Model: Incorporating a mix of traditional manual build processes and batching operations, similar to the proven setup in Heathrow’s Terminal 3 Integrated Baggage.
3. A Highly Automated Model: A “Build by ULD” concept designed for maximum automation and flexibility.

AiQ’s analysis provided a granular breakdown of the infrastructure and resource requirements for each option, including demand for:

• Hold baggage screening systems
• Required capacity for the Early Bag Store
• Manual build positions vs. automated build cells
• Operational requirements for train and tug movements
• Detailed personnel modelling to forecast the Airline OpEx for each scenario, covering operators, supervisors and drivers

The Benefits

The results of AiQ’s analytics provided Heathrow with the clarity and confidence needed to move forward at this strategic level. The study translated complex operational data into a clear business case to support decisions making

• Granular Resource Planning: The analysis went beyond high-level numbers, providing a detailed breakdown of principal resources including where staff would be needed. It showed that while a more automated system would dramatically reduce personnel at manual build positions, it would require a focused staff to manage the operation and safety at the automated build cells. This insight is crucial for future recruitment, training and skills development.
• Data-Driven Strategic Decision-Making: The study assisted Heathrow to make a multi-million-pound decision based on quantitative evidence. By comparing the infrastructure demands and operational costs of each option side-by-side, stakeholders could clearly see the trade-offs and benefits.
• A Scalable and Future-Proof Solution: By testing each concept against different bag volumes corresponding to winter and summer schedules, AiQ demonstrated how each style of system would perform under varying levels of demand. At concept level this gave Heathrow assurance that its chosen solution would be robust, scalable and capable of handling future operations efficiently.
• Informed Tender Requirements: The analysis informed the tender requirements and helped Heathrow understand the OEM tender submissions.

Ultimately, AiQ Consulting’s baggage analytics provided Heathrow with an evidence-based roadmap for the future of its Terminal 2 baggage operations, ensuring the next generation of its system would be not only reliable and compliant but also a model of operational excellence.

Our operational and analytical experts are dedicated to analysing, modelling and optimising every aspect of an airport. Specialising in airport capacity, we are trusted to realise capacity and solve complex operational challenges. For more information about how we can assist you with any of your challenges, contact us today.