Orlando International Airport (MCO) this week showcased the innovative baggage handling system that will be among the new features of the airport’s soon-to-be-completed South Terminal C.
The most noticeable elements of the system are revolving carousels located on the same level passengers deplane. Airport officials indicated that not only does this add to the convenience of travel to the airport, but thanks to skylight canopies and floor-to-ceiling windows, the visual panorama will provide a pleasing welcome to Central Florida.
In a press release, airport officials said the baggage handling system also has more vertical circulation than a traditional conveyor belt system, which is limited by gravity.
Additional benefits of the new system include Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip technology to provide 100 percent bag tracking, significant reduction in noise, the ability to reroute totes and baggage around areas closed for maintenance, the almost complete elimination of baggage jams, and a robotic-controlled Early Bag Storage facility with capacity for approximately 1,800 bags.
Construction of the MCO South Terminal C is set for completion in early 2022. When open, it will feature 15 new gates to accommodate up to 20 aircraft, adding capacity for an additional 10-12 million annual passengers at the airport.
