Leonardo, 120 million contracts for two projects at US airports

Leonardo has been awarded two new contracts for two new projects at airports in the United States. The company led by Roberto Cingolani has signed two contracts, worth a total of over $120 million, for the renewal of baggage handling systems at the airports of Houston Hobby, Texas, and Melbourne Orlando, Florida. These systems are based on automation solutions developed at the historic industrial site in Genoa Sestri Ponente.

At Houston Hobby, one of the country's busiest hubs, Leonardo will carry out a complete overhaul of the baggage handling system, making, explains a note, 'operations more modern, reliable, and capable of supporting the growth in air traffic, without interrupting the airport's daily operations'. At Melbourne Orlando Airport, the note continues, 'the project has reduced construction costs by around 16 per cent and brought forward the completion of the work by six months, while improving the organisation of the space and the passenger experience'.

Underlying both projects is a technology (called Mbhs cross-belt sorter) developed in Genoa, which allows for faster and more precise baggage handling than traditional systems. This approach, the note clarifies, 'reduces the risk of damage and loss, improves punctuality and makes the whole process smoother for passengers and operators. Leonardo was the first company to bring this technology to US airports, helping to innovate an industry historically tied to non-automated solutions'.

Automation solutions are also integrated with advanced digital technologies, such as Iot sensors and artificial intelligence systems, which allow real-time monitoring of operations, anticipation of problems and optimisation of maintenance. This translates into greater reliability, lower energy consumption and reduced environmental impact.

The projects underway in Houston and Melbourne stand alongside other major installations in the United States, such as Denver International Airport and the new Msc Cruises terminal in Miami, which represents the first example in the world of the application of baggage handling technology developed in Genoa, Italy, in a cruise terminal. 'These achievements,' the note concludes, 'are part of a global portfolio that includes projects in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.