An innovative automated conveyor system is helping handlers to lower costs and lessen the incidence of musculoskeletal problems amongst their baggage handlers
Mallaghan, the Dungannon, Northern Ireland-headquartered GSE manufacturer, has seen its equipment put to good use right around the world. Its product range is wide, incorporating GSE such as passenger stairs, catering trucks, de-icers, medical lifts, water and toilet service trucks, cargo and maintenance platforms, and fuel bowsers.
It also offers an aircraft baggage loading system called Bendi Belt, a conveyor that allows baggage to be loaded and unloaded in a safe and efficient way by an operator from within the aircraft hold. The operator can adjust both the height and shape of the belt depending on the aircraft type being served.
With a hydrostatic drive and hydraulic steering, its curved design is unique, Mallaghan notes, and Bendi Belt’s efficiencies allow handlers to minimise operator manpower costs while reducing the risk of manual handling injuries to baggage handlers or of damage to the aircraft.
Its value has been appreciated in locations as far afield as South Korea. Handler Asiana Airport (which offers ground handling services to both Asiana and other carriers in Korea) has used Bendi Belt at Seoul’s Incheon International Airport since June last year, for example. In so doing, it became the first handler in the country to employ an automated extendable baggage system such as this. Asiana Airport has been so pleased with the system – it has seen reduced incidences of musculoskeletal problems amongst its handlers, as well as less baggage damage and reduced costs – that in January this year the handler ordered additional Bendi Belt units. According to Asiana Airport: “They will continue to help our staff and the efficient operation of equipment.”
