Adelaide Airport BHS & Screening Upgrade
Adelaide Airport appointed Alstef Group to deliver a multi-phase upgrade of its existing Baggage Handling System (BHS), incorporating new Standard 3 screening equipment, an Early Bag Storage (EBS) system and reconfiguration to improve redundancy for check-in operations.
About this Project
- Client: Adelaide Airport
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia
- Scope: Baggage Handling System modernisation, Standard 3 screening integration, and check-in redundancy
- Awarded: 2024
- Completed: 2026
Background
The project required significant modification of existing baggage infrastructure while maintaining airport operations throughout the installation programme.
Working closely with Adelaide Airport and its consultants, Alstef Group developed a staged solution designed to integrate new screening technology within the constraints of the existing system and operational environment.
Integrating New Screening Technology
A major element of the project involved the reconfiguration of the existing BHS to integrate five new X-ray screening machines.
This included two dedicated out-of-gauge (OOG) screening lines, as well as the installation and commissioning of a screening recirculation line and Vertical Sortation Unit (VSU).
The upgraded system has achieved Standard 3 screening compliance, providing Adelaide Airport with enhanced baggage screening capability while retaining and adapting critical elements of its existing infrastructure.
Delivering Within a Live Airport
The upgrade was planned as a multi-stage installation programme spanning more than 14 months on site.
Maintaining airport operations throughout the works required careful sequencing, particularly where new equipment and conveyor routes needed to interface with operational parts of the existing BHS.
Restricted access to work areas added further complexity, requiring close communication and coordination between Alstef Group, Adelaide Airport, consultants and other contractors working within the airport environment.
This staged approach enabled major sections of the upgraded system to be installed and commissioned progressively while baggage operations continued.
BAGWARE Software
The project also introduces Alstef Group's BAGWARE software to Australia for the first time.
Its implementation followed extensive technical discussions and presentations with Adelaide Airport stakeholders, providing the opportunity to demonstrate the software's capabilities and its role within the upgraded baggage handling environment.
Project Milestones
Major project milestones achieved include:
- Two oversize screening lines installed and fully operational
- Screening recirculation line installed and operational
- Vertical Sortation Unit connecting transfer line and recirculation back into the BHS system
- Standard 3 screening compliance achieved
- Mechanical installation completed
Modernising Critical Baggage Infrastructure
The Adelaide Airport project demonstrates the complexity involved in modernising an operational baggage handling system where new screening technology, software and mechanical infrastructure must be integrated with existing systems.
Through detailed planning, staged installation and close coordination with airport stakeholders, Alstef Group has delivered the major mechanical and screening elements of the upgrade while maintaining airport operations throughout the works.
