BAGSHUTTLE Early Bag Storage

BAGSHUTTLE is a conveyor-based, low-bay early bag storage system that uses high-speed shuttle technology to distribute checked bags into horizontal accumulation lanes and retrieve them in batches or individually when required. Unlike the tote-based BAGTOTE system, BAGSHUTTLE stores bags directly on belt conveyor lanes arranged in one, two, or three vertical layers — making it suited to terminal buildings where ceiling height or structural constraints prevent the 10–20 metre rack heights that high-bay stacker crane systems require.

The shuttle moves across the face of the storage lanes, dispatching bags to available lane positions during the accumulation phase and retrieving them during the collection phase. The system supports full or partial flush of individual storage lanes, giving BHS controllers flexibility to sequence make-up output by flight without waiting for a full lane to fill. There is no inherent limitation on retrieval order within the constraints of the lane layout.

BAGSHUTTLE is deployed in three scenarios: as a conventional early bag store for passengers who check in well ahead of departure; as a transfer bag buffer where connecting flight intervals are long; and as a chute capacity optimiser, where flights are held in BAGSHUTTLE until the correct make-up chute opens, shortening chute occupation time and increasing overall sortation system throughput.

The low-bay format makes BAGSHUTTLE the practical EBS choice for retrofit projects within existing terminal buildings, or for new-build terminals constrained to single-storey or low mezzanine heights. Highly flexible configurations allow the system to be shaped around irregular or irregular available footprints. The system is referenced in the Felipe Ángeles International Airport, Mexico project.