Automated material handling solutions specialist Alstef Group has been awarded a contract to upgrade the baggage handling system at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ), the 9th busiest airport in Canada and the country’s 5th busiest transborder hub. The upgrade is in support of the airport’s initiative to integrate US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) preclearance processing.
The federal government is investing C$30m in the construction of a US customs preclearance facility which, once constructed, will provide travellers with the opportunity to clear customs in Toronto instead of upon landing at American airports, thereby allowing the airport to offer more US destinations. It will also enable Canadians to travel to US airports that do not have US Customs and Border Protection.
The scope of the project includes the provision of new conveyors and modifications to existing conveyors to facilitate the addition of USCBP preclearance processing. Key components of the upgrade to the outbound conveyor system include a new transfer line, sortation conveyors, a manual encode station, an inline screening system, a bag recall vertical lift and a make-up carousel – all dedicated to USCBP bags. In addition to the conveyor upgrades, Alstef Group will install and commission the baggage imaging and weight identification system (BIWIS) to support USCBP officers. The BIWIS installation includes inline, oversize and transfer BIWIS stations, USCBP supervisor stations, a bag recall and bag accept, and a walk-through station. It also covers all associated scanners and monitors.
“We are thrilled to be selected by Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport for this important project,” said Steven Tanguy, managing director, Alstef Canada. “Our experience and expertise will ensure a seamless integration of USCBP preclearance processing, enhancing the overall efficiency and security of the airport operations.”
The project is expected to be completed by late 2025, with minimal disruption to airport operations.
