AILA Begins First Phase Of New Baggage Handling System

Aeropuertos Dominicanos Siglo XXI (Aerodom) has placed the first phase of a new baggage handling system at Las Américas International Airport (AILA) into operation, marking a major step in the modernization of the Dominican Republic’s principal international gateway.

The southern section of the new system began operating in early June, according to Aerodom, while work continues on the northern section. The company expects the full project to be completed by the end of this year.

A New System For Departure Baggage

The project involves a comprehensive replacement of AILA’s existing departure baggage infrastructure. Once completed, the new AILA baggage handling system is expected to double the airport’s baggage-processing capacity per hour while increasing automation and providing greater redundancy between terminals and baggage carousels.

The upgraded system is designed to manage luggage throughout the departure process, from check-in and security screening through sorting and loading onto aircraft. For passengers, the modernization is intended to improve the reliability and continuity of baggage operations without requiring major disruptions to airport activity during construction.

Aerodom, which operates AILA as part of the VINCI Airports network, said the first phase was introduced gradually so that normal airport operations could continue. The transition was coordinated between technical and operational teams while construction proceeded in other areas of the terminal.

Technology And Security Upgrades

The modernization includes new baggage inspection equipment based on computed tomography technology, as well as a supervisory control and data acquisition system, or SCADA, for monitoring and controlling operations.

The project also incorporates automated sorters and 360-degree baggage-tag readers, along with additional functions intended to improve the movement and identification of luggage between check-in counters and aircraft loading areas.

According to Aerodom, the completed system will also provide greater operational redundancy, a more robust preventive-maintenance program and increased availability of spare parts. Those features are intended to support higher levels of system reliability as passenger and baggage volumes continue to be handled through the airport.

Work Continues While AILA Remains Operational

The first phase covers the southern area of the baggage system, while construction continues in the northern section. Integration of the remaining infrastructure is scheduled to take place progressively over the coming months.

Cyril Girot, Aerodom’s director general, described the start of operations as an important stage in the transformation of AILA and said the project is being carried out while the airport remains in service.

The modernization is particularly relevant to international travelers because AILA is one of the Dominican Republic’s key air gateways, serving the Santo Domingo area and handling arrivals and departures for travelers connecting the capital with destinations abroad. Improvements to baggage processing can therefore affect an essential part of the passenger journey even when the changes are largely invisible to travelers.

Aerodom said the remaining work will continue without interrupting airport operations, with completion of the full departure baggage system expected by the end of the year.