The Central Communication Port announced on Monday that the vanderlande-led consortium, which also includes UniPessoal LDA, secured the considerable tender for the design, delivery, assembly, and ongoing maintenance of the airport’s baggage handling system (BHS). The total contract value approaches EUR 115 million for supply and assembly, with additional funds – PLN 97 million, and an option for a further PLN 93 million – allocated for long-term service and upkeep.

Contract Details & Scope

The awarded consortium will oversee the implementation of a cutting-edge luggage handling system covering approximately 80,000 square meters within the passenger terminal.The implementation will utilize over 16 kilometers of conveyor belts, employing an Individual Carrier System (ICS) technology. This advanced system relies on transporting luggage in containers, allowing for precise tracking, reduced damage risk, and scalable expansion to accommodate future traffic growth.

Political Fallout & Domestic Concerns

The contract award has ignited a political controversy,with former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki voicing strong objections. He publicly questioned why a Polish company, Dimark, a firm with a proven track record of serving major international airports, was not selected for the project. Morawiecki labeled the decision “repolonization according to tusk,” implying a reversal of efforts to prioritize domestic businesses.

“We have a Polish company that works all over the world,but the government prefers to enrich foreign concerns! Is this the kind of policy you support?”

Morawiecki further highlighted Dimark’s capabilities on X (formerly Twitter),inviting public reaction to the situation.

BHS Technology at a Glance

Feature Specification
System Type Individual Carrier System (ICS)
Total Area Approx.80,000 sq m
conveyor Belt Length Over 16 km
Contract Value (Supply & Assembly) EUR 115 million
Maintenance (Basic) PLN 97 million

Did You Know? Modern airport baggage handling systems are increasingly reliant on automation and data analytics to improve efficiency and reduce mishandling rates, which cost the industry billions annually.

Pro Tip: When traveling,always ensure your luggage is clearly labeled with your contact details to increase the chances of recovery if lost.