A different perspective is often all it takes to find new solutions to problems.
In a year-long partnership between Newcastle Airport and the University of Newcastle (UoN), big business has called on students to offer a new way to address old systems.
The pupils have been working in a “living laboratory” at the terminal.
Their goal for the semester was to find ways to improve the site’s baggage handling system to better service the airport’s growing number of passengers.
It is also part of the university’s ambition to be a world leader in the field of aviation and aerospace.
A “living laboratory” gathers academics, students, industry and community partners to create new knowledge to address the challenges of today and tomorrow in the region.
At the same time, it helps the UoN to provide its pupils with an excellent experience while they can develop practical skills to be career-ready.
“Accurateness and quality of the baggage handling process is crucial for an excellent passenger experience and therefore very important for an airport,” Professor of Aerospace Systems Gabriel Lodewijks said.
Passenger numbers are expected to increase to 2.6 million at the airport by 2036, and to 5.6 million by 2076.
The study aimed to deliver a baggage handling system that is both efficient, environmentally friendly and space sensitive.
The final report including observations and recommendations was published on 2 June.
The results show large parts of the current system are fit for duty in the future, recommendations made regarding updated technology, including adding radio frequency ID chips to baggage tags to find further efficiencies for the system.
One of the University of Newcastle students involved in the project, Josh Price, says the lab was a great opportunity to gain valuable experience in dealing with real-world problems.
“As an engineering student, we focus a lot on the mathematics,” he said.
“This project gave us the opportunity to analyse problems, come up with a solution, and then convey that to others in real world language, not an equation.”
Newcastle Airport executive general manager of aviation Shane de Wit welcomed the insights presented by the students’ work.
“We’re always looking for ways we can do things better, improve passenger experience, and reduce the carbon footprint of Newcastle Airport,” he stated.
“It’s great to know that our current systems are fit for the future, and we’ll certainly be looking into the improvements identified by the living laboratory project.
“The research is very timely to ensure that we can implement the best possible baggage handling system in our new terminal expansion currently under construction.”
The terminal expansion at Newcastle Airport is expected to be completed in 2024.
For more about the Newcastle Airport expansion:
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