This webinar will explore how the industry’s most progressive airports are moving beyond mechanical constraints toward intelligent, data-led operations
As passenger volumes continue to rise, the baggage domain has reached a critical turning point. The era of bold promises and isolated pilots is giving way to 2026: the year of execution.
For airport baggage leaders, the challenge is no longer just moving bags, but building a connected, software-driven ecosystem that is resilient to disruption and capable of relentless productivity.
This webinar will explore how the industry’s most progressive airports are moving beyond mechanical constraints toward intelligent, data-led operations. We will dive into the practical application of AI, robotics, and computer vision to show how these technologies are being anchored into daily operations to improve turn reliability, safety, and passenger trust.
Join us to learn how to transition your baggage handling system (BHS) from a reactive cost-driver into a proactive, predictable asset.
Key learning points:
- Moving from experimentation to execution: Why 2026 is the pivotal year for proving automation and AI in live operations to build a scalable foundation for the next decade.
- AI and decision science: Learn how machine learning is shifting from a buzzword to a decision-support tool, assisting professionals in navigating vast data sets to forecast peaks and mitigate disruptions before they occur.
- Targeted robotics for high-impact tasks: Discover how to apply task-level automation—such as robotic induction and automated container loading—to reduce manual strain and stabilise throughput during peak periods.
- Infrastructure modernisation (ICS & EBS): Explore the benefits of Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) and high-density Early Baggage Storage (EBS) in increasing sortation speed, accuracy, and sequence control.
- Computer vision and “baggage biometrics”: See how advanced camera networks are replacing traditional barcode scanning to provide real-time analysis of baggage flows and detect misrouted bags instantly.
- The “connected bag” and end-to-end visibility: Gain insights into the exponential growth of Electronic Bag Tags (EBTs) and IoT sensors, moving tracking from an experiment to a baseline passenger standard.
- Off-airport processing: Examine the structural shift of moving baggage processing away from the terminal to homes, hotels, and train stations to improve convenience and terminal efficiency.
Henk Brandsma – Strategic Process Developer Baggage Handling, AMS Schiphol Airport
Henk Brandsma is Schiphol Airport’s strategic process developer for baggage handling and has spent decades pushing the boundaries of baggage handling system performance and specifications through innovative thinking and a deep knowledge of operational processes. He translated his knowledge from the handling industry into the first baggage loading robot in the world in live operation in 2005 at Schiphol. On the busiest days, around 180,000 bags can pass through Schiphol’s four baggage halls. To ensure these are handled efficiently and relax the physical stress for handlers, Schiphol is continually investing in expansion and innovation and today has one of the most advanced baggage handling systems in the world. Henk firmly believes that the future of baggage handling is fully automated. Whereas robots and state-of-the-art technology currently handle the end-to-end process, Henk acknowledges that full automation is a long-term journey, and that in the short term, “quick win” improvements need to be made to ensure baggage handling quality. His major drive is to improve the quality of work for the airport employees and to ensure continuity as well.
Gaurang Harit is an airport infrastructure leader with nearly two decades leading Baggage Handling System, Special Airport systems, and complex aviation capital programmes. Currently he serves as Project Director at Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, directing a major BHS asset replacement programme, a mission critical project of national importance shaping Malaysia’s potential as a leading aviation hub in the region.
Across his career, Gaurang has worked from every seat at the table, airport operator, contractor, consultant, and OEM, delivering major programmes across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, India, and Europe, giving him a 360 perspective of the aviation ecosystem, from strategy to execution.
Recognised for both programme excellence and social impact, with awards spanning infrastructure innovation and community-led sustainable tourism projects in the Himalayas, he brings the same conviction to the projects he leads and the people they serve.
John Maduro, Baggage Handling Systems Engineer, Aruba Airport Authority.
John Maduro is the Baggage Handling System (BHS) Engineer at Aruba Airport Authority, where he oversees the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the airport’s ICS-based baggage handling system. With a background in mechanical engineering, he ensures system performance, reliability, and alignment with growing operational demands in a complex, high-demand environment.
He works closely with stakeholders including airlines, ground handlers, maintenance teams, contractors, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), optimizing baggage flows, enhancing system visibility, and supporting consistent, high-quality operations.
John brings a practical, data-driven approach to improving system performance, focusing on capacity, resilience, and reducing operational risks. His work supports the transition from reactive infrastructure to more predictive and performance-driven operations, preparing the system to handle increasing passenger volumes.
His focus is to ensure a resilient, future-ready baggage handling system that supports growth while maintaining operational excellence.
Is the panel discussion free?
Yes – there is no charge to watch the panel discussion, either live or on-demand.
Can I watch it later?
The panel discussion will become available to watch on-demand shortly after the live webinar takes place.
What are the benefits of attending live?
You’ll be able to ask the speakers your questions, which will be answered live in the Q&A towards the end of the session.
How long will the panel discussion be?
This panel discussion will last up to an hour.
What do I need to watch this panel discussion?
All you need is a computer with an internet connection. We recommend using headphones if possible if you’re in an office environment.