Leonardo Secures $120M in Airport Infrastructure Deals in the US

Leonardo is strengthening its foothold in the United States' airport infrastructure sector, securing two contracts worth over $120 million to supply advanced baggage handling systems for Houston Hobby Airport in Texas and Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Florida. This move solidifies the Italian group's position in the North American market and highlights the strategic importance of automation solutions for airport operations.

Upgrading Baggage Handling Systems

The planned upgrades will enable both airports to modernize their baggage management systems, accommodating increased and variable air traffic without disrupting daily operations. Passengers will benefit from faster, more secure, and reliable processes, while airport operators will achieve greater operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and more advanced flow management for both domestic and international flights.

Benefits for Passengers and Operators

The upgrades promise streamlined processes for passengers and enhanced efficiency for airport operators, marking a significant improvement in the overall airport experience.

Sustainability Initiatives

These projects align with Leonardo's commitment to sustainability. The design of the new systems aims to reduce energy consumption, minimize maintenance needs, and optimize resource use, contributing to the airports' environmental goals and long-term infrastructure resilience.

Reducing Environmental Impact

Leonardo's focus on sustainable design ensures that the new systems contribute to reduced energy consumption and optimized resource management.

Houston Hobby Airport Enhancements

At Houston Hobby Airport, a comprehensive upgrade of the baggage handling system is planned, promising significant improvements in capacity and reliability. The new system will feature two high-performance sorting machines with Cross-Belt technology: a 240-meter unit integrated into the checked baggage inspection system compliant with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) standards, and a 205-meter unit dedicated to transferring departing and transit baggage. An Early Baggage Storage solution will also be implemented for the secure storage of transit baggage or for passengers checking in well in advance.

Key Components of the Upgrade

The Houston Hobby project includes advanced sorting machines, an early baggage storage solution, and enhanced security features to improve overall system reliability.

The installation of an aligner before the explosive detection scanners will further enhance the overall reliability of the system. The project also includes hundreds of meters of conveyor belts, manual encoding stations for handling baggage requiring additional checks, and new support structures such as sorting chutes, mezzanines, and steel platforms.

Enhanced Security Measures

The inclusion of an aligner before the explosive detection scanners highlights the focus on improving security and reliability.

The management of the entire system will be entrusted to an integrated software package that combines control and supervision systems, enabling real-time visibility of operations, continuous baggage tracking, and data collection necessary for performance optimization and predictive maintenance.

Integrated Software Management

An integrated software package will provide real-time visibility, continuous tracking, and data collection for optimized performance and predictive maintenance.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport Enhancements

The upgrade at Melbourne Orlando International Airport focuses on a TSA-approved baggage inspection system based on a cross-belt conveyor designed to improve traceability, reduce errors, and streamline operations in a confined space. The new system includes a 160-meter Cross-Belt system, supported by induction lines and linear sorting chutes, as well as the integration of baggage screening machines compliant with U.S. security standards. An automatic label reader will ensure real-time identification and monitoring of packages, while a supervisory platform will enable constant control and diagnostics of the entire system.

System Features

The system features advanced baggage screening machines, automatic label readers, and a supervisory platform, enhancing security and efficiency.

The adoption of this solution has allowed the airport to reduce construction costs by approximately 16% and shorten the implementation time by six months, thanks to the ability to install the system within the existing terminal without invasive structural work.

Cost and Time Savings

The innovative solution has led to significant cost savings and a reduced implementation timeline for Melbourne Orlando International Airport.

Strategic Expansion in the US

The contracts in Houston and Melbourne represent a further strategic step for Leonardo in the United States, where the group already has significant installations such as the baggage handling system at Denver International Airport and the MSC Cruises terminal in Miami. These new projects add to a global portfolio that extends from Europe to Asia, from the Middle East to India, confirming the company's commitment to developing reliable and customized automation solutions for airports and logistics.

Global Portfolio

Leonardo's global portfolio includes projects in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and India, demonstrating its commitment to reliable and customized automation solutions.

Technological Components

The systems incorporate several key technologies to optimize performance and security.

Cross-Belt Technology

Ensures efficient and reliable baggage sorting.

Early Baggage Storage

Provides secure storage for baggage checked in advance.

Automatic Label Readers

Enable real-time tracking and identification of baggage.

Operational Efficiencies

The enhanced systems are expected to provide several operational benefits.

Faster Processing

Passengers will experience quicker baggage processing times.

Reduced Maintenance

The new systems are designed for reduced maintenance needs.

Better Flow Management

Improved flow management for both domestic and international flights.

Projected Benefits

The upgrades will result in a number of significant benefits for both airports.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

Passengers can expect faster and more reliable baggage handling.

Improved Security

Advanced screening technologies enhance security measures.

Operational Efficiency

Airports will benefit from increased efficiency and reduced costs.