San Francisco Airport (SFO) is the first US airport to go live with a tote-based Independent Carrier System (ICS). The CrisBag ICS has been installed in the airport’s new Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and has been designed for shared airline use.
The ICS enables 100% track and trace as each bag remains in the same tote throughout the baggage handling and integrated security screening process. In addition the integration of an Explosives Detection System (EDS) makes CrisBag the first system to be certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for in-tote baggage security screening.
SFO engaged Beumer to install and test the CrisBag system as part of a redevelopment programme of the terminal that is scheduled to be complete in 2023. Prior to the redevelopment began there were 15 Computer Tomography X-Ray (CTX) machines serving several independently airline operated and owned baggage systems. The consolidation to a shared use baggage system using CrisBag has meant a reduction in the number of security screening machines that are needed for baggage screening within the terminal.
The Explosives Detection System was tested by the TSA. With 100% track and trace there is no loss of baggage tracking and the CrisBag system reduces manual handling at the TSA’s Checked Baggage Reconciliation Area inspection stations.
The innovative layout of the carrier system has also enabled the airport to significantly reduce tug traffic which has benefitted the airport as well as being good for the environment.
The Beumer Group has also been awarded a contract for a new baggage handling system in Terminal 3 at San Francisco International Airport that will mirror the system in Terminal 1.
