Next Generation Standard 3 security compliant system delivered on time and under budget.

CHS Engineering Services Ltd announces that it has successfully deployed a next generation baggage handling system at Newcastle International Airport on time and under budget. The system, which meets the next generation Standard 3 regulations for security and scanning set by the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), serves the North East’s largest airport and carries the luggage of over 5 million passengers per year.

CHS Engineering is one of the world’s leading independent specialists in the deployment, commissioning and testing of baggage handling solutions for hold baggage systems (HBS).

The company took accountability from concept through to final delivery of the project. CHS Engineering was responsible for managing the design and specification of the new baggage and security screening system, evaluation and selection, construction, commissioning and validation of the new solution, through to operational handover and ongoing automated management and maintenance controls.

Colin Smith, Founder and CEO of CHS Engineering, said, “Installing a new baggage handling system at the busy Newcastle International Airport was like conducting a heart transplant whilst keeping the patient’s body fully working and operational. It was a challenging brownfield site where everything had to be delivered within the existing footprint. But the CHS team and airport staff worked hand-in-hand to deliver success and it speaks volumes that the airport won Best in Europe for a Customer Service award in the midst of the project.”

Richard Knight OBE, COO at Newcastle International Airport, said, “With the introduction, and integration of Standard 3 x-ray technology, this HBS system ensured Newcastle Airport complied with the regulatory standards imposed on airport baggage screening, well in advance of the deadline.”

“Drawing on the unique range of services offered by independent consultants CHS Engineering Services, Newcastle Airport developed a concept layout which solved present baggage throughput requirements, and equally as importantly, it gave consideration for future growth of the airport. With the project work being undertaken in a live environment throughout, delivery of this complex solution required all parties to work closely with the airport to ensure minimal disruption to operations and the overall passenger experience.”