The airport has seen increased traffic. In 2006, it catered to over 46 million passengers, compared with 44 million in 2005. (See table below.)

IBM will provide the baggage management system to control and track each bag throughout the baggage transportation system using high-tech availability techniques and robot handling software. It will also deliver consulting services, hardware, software and application development for the project, including radio frequency identification (RFID), which will be used to track checked-in baggage.

The two companies will work in close partnership with Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to design and build the extension of the airport''s baggage handling facilities to help it keep pace with the expected future growth in passenger numbers. "Work begins immediately," according to an IBM statement.

IBM has Baggage Centre of Excellence in Amsterdam, and has extensive expertise in baggage handling solutions. It has been involved in other projects with Schiphol Airport and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and has also provided baggage management systems globally. The US company has worked with Vanderlande Industries at several airports in the world.

The airport''s new 10,000-sq.m. baggage hall is designed to handle baggage for departing and transferring passengers. While different airlines will use it, Air France KLM will be the biggest user.

The system will be connected to the airport''s other baggage halls, ensuring more efficient and faster transfers of baggage between connecting flights. When the hall opens in 2011, six robots will mechanically manage baggage, handling 60 per cent of the loading and further decreasing connection times.

Passengers hate delays, and one of the things they love is quick baggage retrieval. With growing competition, airports must ensure they do not disappoint passengers in this vital area. They certainly have to ensure that baggage does not get lost, as happens frequently, to the utter frustration of hapless passengers.

Says Charles Vincent, Director IBM Travel and Transport Europe, "Airports and airlines see improved baggage handling as a major step towards increasing passenger satisfaction. The efficiencies of the new system will cut down operating costs and improve transfer connection times for passengers at Schiphol."

Peter Gerretse

"The cost effectiveness and reliability of baggage handling is taking another step with the implementation of RFID and robot handling at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol," says Peter Gerretse, president and CEO of Vanderlande Industries. "When the new baggage hall opens, the six robots will also contribute to the ergonomic handling of bags, improving the working conditions of the people."

The new hall is a major step in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol''s "70 MB programme", which aims to have the capability of transferring 70 million pieces of baggage a year by 2018. The project is being rolled out in close collaboration with KLM.