Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK), the huge infrastructure project to build one of Europe’s biggest airports, as part of a modern, integrated transport system, is inviting bids from three companies for the design, delivery, installation and commissioning of the baggage handling system (BHS). Scheduled to open in 2032, CPK will serve as Poland’s new central airport.

The three European firms invited to submit offers are Vanderlande Industries, Siemens Logistics, and Beumer Group Poland – all leaders in baggage handling tech. CPK initiated discussions with relevant companies last year, and these three, apparently shortlisted, now have 60 days to submit bids.

The BHS is a critical element of the new gateway, which combines a new international airport with a nationwide high-speed rail network. The baggage system will occupy approximately 80,000 square metres within the terminal building including over 13 kilometers of conveyor belts. It will be based on ICS (individual carrier system) technology that transports luggage in dedicated trays.

According to CPK, this solution is efficient and flexible, and “allows modular expansion as the terminal and air traffic volumes grow.” Dr. Filip Czernicki, CEO of CPK, commented: “We are drawing on the best available market solutions to ensure the highest standards of security, efficiency, and operational performance. The project includes detailed design, delivery, and installation of equipment, followed by system commissioning, testing, and ongoing maintenance.”

In a statement, CPK said: “Potential contractors were qualified to take part in the competitive dialogue after a rigorous verification process. This assessed criteria such as experience and successful delivery of a BHS in airports with a capacity of at least 30 million passengers per year within the past 25 years. During the dialogue phase, CPK and the participants jointly refined technical and legal conditions as well as  the scope of the contract.”

Drawbacks of Warsaw’s Existing Hub

Warsaw’s existing Chopin Airport (WAW), which is nearing capacity, has some limitations when it comes to baggage. The long-term throughput at WAW is currently restricted to just 1,800 items for departures and 2,200 for arrivals, equivalent to the baggage from about seven Boeing 787 Dreamliners at any one time. 

Carriers are looking at several ways to expand. Star Alliance member LOT Polish Airlines is a core carrier at WAW with 86 aircraft and, just today, it announced the commencement of a codeshare cooperation with the carrier ITA Airways, boosting its network in Italy.

CPK, to be built between Warsaw and Łódź, is currently finalising the architectural design for its new passenger terminal, railway, and bus stations. It is also moving forward with civil engineering plans for runways, taxiways, and supporting facilities, including the air traffic control tower, maintenance base, and buildings for rescue and firefighting services. 

In January, the regional government issued a location decision for key elements of the airport allowing CPK to start the preparation of building permit applications for the terminal, stations, and essential infrastructure. The ambitious project should transform Poland’s connectivity and drive economic growth while also aiming to set a new benchmark as a net-zero-ready airport.

On a bigger geographical scale, CPK’s strategic location in Central and Eastern Europe, gives it the possibility to become a regional and global transfer hub which is a key objective of Czernicki.

Further details of the BHS tender, including the final submission deadline, can be found in this link.