SITA has installed automated self-bag drop units at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to enhance baggage processing for Alaska Airlines passengers.
This addition will support high passenger volumes, while also offering new standards for ADA-compliant solutions.
The Swift Drop Self-Bag Drop (SBD) units have been installed at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) Harvey Milk Terminal 1.
They represent the first agent-facing ADA-compliant self-bag drop system in the US.
Shawn Gregor, President of Americas at SITA said:We are thrilled to partner with Hensel Phelps on this groundbreaking project at SFO. Our Swift Drop, a solution created in collaboration with Alstef Group, represents the next phase of technology evolution for airports, offering an efficient, accessible, and user-friendly solution for baggage handling. This project not only enhances capacity but also sets a new standard for ADA-compliance in the US market.
In total, SITA has installed 25 Swift Drops. This includes 15 standard units for self-bag drop and 10 hybrid units, which also act as Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS).
Each solution uses a 3D digital camera system to ensure a high first-time read rate of 95%, processing each bag in under 15 seconds.
SFO Airport Director Ivar C. Satero said:We are proud to be the first airport in the US to launch the SITA Swift Drop technology. As an airport serving a region of innovation, our customers expect to see forward-looking solutions that make air travel easier and more efficient. We are grateful to the entire team that made this extraordinary experience possible.
By incorporating an ADA-compliant design, the technology aims to be accessible to all passengers. For example, the units allow passengers to easily roll their bags into place, with minimal effort required for lifting and handling.
The units have been installed as part Alaska Airlines’ two-year relocation project from Terminal 2 to the new Terminal 1.
Rick Hines, managing director of operations at Alaska Airlines said:Through our partnership with SITA, we’re able to offer our guests the first automated bag drop units at SFO. SITA’s contributions were instrumental in making opening day of our operations at Harvey Milk Terminal 1 a success; we’re excited to provide our guests with innovative technology that streamlines the check-in process and reduces congestion in our lobbies.
