Airport Baggage Handling System Decision-Making Based on Total Cost of Ownership

Investments in baggage handling systems are crucial to airport operations and customer satisfaction, yet decisions are often made solely based on initial capital investment without considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). A TCO analysis could lead to cost savings and opportunities for innovation, energy efficiency, and automation.

ACRP Research Report 252: Airport Baggage Handling System Decision-Making Based on Total Cost of Ownership, from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, is designed to help stakeholders understand current operation and maintenance costs, establish a comprehensive governance structure, and consider procurement options and equipment selection in the context of TCO factors.

Supplemental to the report are the Baggage Handling Systems TCO Decision Assist Toolkit and Appendices A–D, which present interview findings, case studies, and the baggage system design submittal process.