Yuma International Airport Baggage System Improvement

The baggage carousel at Yuma International Airport is nearing the end of its usable life. The sponsor requested two replacement alternatives be selected and analyzed. One is the best alternative for least initial cost to transition to the new system. The second is the best alternative for cost savings over the projected service life.Requirements were defined for the replacement, then multiple viable alternatives were identified. A trade study was performed to determine which alternative was the best fit. Simulations included projected annual operating costs and service life of the new system, and demonstrated different inputs and outputs, and variations as business conditions change over time. Variations considered included bags per flight, amount of arrival flights per day, and baggage weights. Simulating these different variables has shown how the system will function in different operating environments and allows the sponsor to make an educated decision on the future system before the integration phase.