Alstef Group has been awarded a contract to upgrade the baggage handling system at the ninth busiest air transport hub in Canada, Billy Bishop Toronto city Airport. The upgrade, which is expected to be complete by late 2025, is in line with the airport’s plans to integrate its US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) preclearance processing with the federal government investing $30 million for the construction of a US customs preclearance facility.
The preclearance facility will enable passengers to clear customs in Toronto instead of upon landing at American airports, thereby allowing the airport to offer more US destinations and Canadians to travel to US airports that do not currently have USCBP capabilities.
The agreement includes the provision of new conveyors and modifications to existing conveyors to facilitate the addition of USCBP preclearance processing. Key components of the outbound conveyor system include a new transfer line, sortation conveyors, a manual encode station, an inline screening system, a bag recall vertical lift and a make-up carousel – all of which are dedicated to USCBP bags. Alstef will also install and commission the Baggage Imaging and Weight Identification System (BIWIS) to support USCBP officers. This includes inline oversize and transfer BIWIS stations, USCBP supervisor stations, a bag recall and bag accept and a walk-through station. It also includes all associated scanners and monitors.
“We are thrilled to be selected by Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for this important project,” said Steven Tanguy, Managing Director, Alstef Canada. “Our experience and expertise will ensure a seamless integration of USCBP preclearance processing, enhancing the overall efficiency and security of the airport operations.”
Image: Representatives from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and Alstef celebrate the contract for a USCBP Preclearnace Baggage Handling System upgrade. Supplied by Alstef Group
