SOF Connect, the operator of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport, launched a new high-tech baggage handling system at Terminal 2.
SOF Connect’s investment in the project is €15 million.
Jesús Caballero – CEO of SOF Connect, Georgi Iliev – Mayor of Slatina Region, Anelia Marinova – Director General of the Civil Aviation Administration, H.E. Marie Dumoulin, Ambassador of France to Bulgaria, as well as representatives of institutions, business and the aviation industry, attended the official inauguration of the new system.
“The baggage handling system is extremely important for the overall functioning of an airport. With this investment, we are taking a key step towards faster, more reliable and more efficient operations, while ensuring the highest security standards. The new system is designed not only to meet today’s needs, but also to support the future of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport and its capacity to serve 20 million passengers annually.” said Jesús Caballero, CEO of SOF Connect.
The new system represents a key milestone in the modernization and technological development of the airport. Implemented using state-of-the-art technologies from the French and American companies Alstef Group and Leidos, it increases the capacity for handling checked baggage eight times – from 400 to 3,200 bags per hour.
Higher capacity and reliability
The new BHS features 52 check-in desks, six carousels – one long carousel, four small carousels and one parallel line – as well as a dedicated oversized baggage line. Unlike the previous system, which relied on a single outdated machine, the new solution features four high-performance machines with a combined weight of approximately 7 tonnes. The system is designed for high performance, operational continuity and efficiency. The new infrastructure supports both conventional check-in and self-bag drop following online check-in, as well as assisted service by airline staff.
Highest security standards
Security is a core element of the new system. It includes three Leidos Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) with triple redundancy. Each system can process up to 1,200 bags per hour. In addition, new Dual View X-ray systems for secondary screening have been installed, providing enhanced capabilities for detecting and identifying potential threats. Baggage passes through four levels of security, while the triple redundancy of critical systems ensures a high level of operational reliability and resilience. Leidos is a global technology company and a Fortune 500 company with extensive experience in aviation security and threat detection technologies. The company develops and implements screening systems for passengers, checked baggage and air cargo. For the Vasil Levski Sofia Airport project, Leidos provides the security technologies for checked baggage, including EDS systems and secondary X-ray screening solutions. The company has significant international experience in this field and reports nearly 2,000 inline baggage screening systems deployed worldwide.
A technology solution for the future
Alstef Group is an international technology company specializing in the design, integration and maintenance of automated baggage handling systems for airports. With more than 60 years of experience, the company delivers airport solutions in dozens of countries worldwide. For the Vasil Levski Sofia Airport project, Alstef Group is the main contractor for the new baggage handling system and is responsible for the delivery, installation, integration and maintenance of the system. The system includes a completely new operational IT network and cybersecurity, as well as advanced capabilities for performance and maintenance monitoring.
To increase energy efficiency, the system features IE4 high-efficiency electric motors and an energy-saving conveyor concept.
Immediate benefits for passengers and aviation partners
The introduction of the new system will have an immediate positive impact on the operations of airlines and ground handling operators, providing higher productivity, improved control and more reliable baggage handling. For passengers, this means a faster, safer and more seamless checked baggage handling process.
Part of the transformation of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport
The investment in the new baggage handling system is part of SOF Connect’s long-term strategy to transform Vasil Levski Sofia Airport into a modern regional aviation hub. The new system provides a technological foundation for the airport’s future development and is designed to support growing passenger traffic, the construction of Terminal 3 and the modernization of Terminal 2.
Photos and videos from the event can be downloaded from the embedded link.