NSW: Baggage system fails again

AAP General News (Australia)
08-16-2000
NSW: Baggage system fails again

SYDNEY, Aug 16 AAP - Sydney International Airport's $32 million baggage handling system
broke down again today, delaying several flights.

Sydney Airport Corporation said the breakdown occurred on the new checked bag screening system.

The security system was being integrated with the main baggage handling system when
a mechanical failure occurred.

Sydney Airport said a minor mechanical failure resulted in a 15 minute delay of four
outbound flights.

Transport Workers Union organiser Richard Olsen said the new screening system was still
under trial.

"We are hopeful they can solve the problems before the Olympics. They've told us they
can and we remain hopeful they will," he said.

Mr Olsen said the problem was separate to a series of glitches last week involving
a breakdown with the main baggage system.

That was believed to have been related to a software problem and involved several bags
being sent to the wrong baggage sorting bin.

The system handles 11,000 outbound bags and 11,000 inbound bags per hour.

"Hopefully the problem with the checked bag screening system is easily identifiable
and they can correct the drama," he said.

Mr Olsen said it was to be expected that there would be some minor glitches with the
integration of any new system.

"It was only a trial and you can't knock anyone for trialling something," he said.

"We'll only be concerned if there are still problems after it has been commissioned."

Last month the Sydney Airport Corporation admitted it had computer software integration
problems when the baggage handling system was first commissioned in July.

But a spokesman has said the new system will be ready for the increased traffic during
the Olympics.

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KEYWORD: BAGGAGE NIGHTLEAD

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