Rethinking Airport Baggage Systems: Design, Operations & the Future of Automation

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Ryan E. Gales and Azmat Aulakh from Jenkins/Gales & Martinez, Inc. (JGM) to explore the complexities of airport baggage handling system design and the evolving demands of modern airport operations.

The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of designing and operating baggage systems, from working within tight physical constraints to integrating new technologies with legacy infrastructure. Drawing on their experience across major airport projects, the team shares how JMC evolved from architectural design into a leader in baggage operations and long-term system maintenance, bringing a more holistic, end-to-end perspective to the industry.

This episode also covers:
• Why baggage systems are often introduced too late in terminal design
• The importance of early collaboration; architects, engineers, operations teams
• Reliable performance and high passenger expectations in intense settings

• Designing systems adaptable to future technologies and operational changes
  • The role of automation and AI in optimising routing and maintenance
  • Innovations in tracking, including RFID and IoT-enabled visibility 
• Sustainability challenges and energy-efficient systems in reducing environmental impact

Looking ahead, the discussion explores what the future of baggage could look like, from automated delivery and expanded curbside check-in to smarter, more connected systems that reduce friction across the passenger journey.

The four highlight the critical role baggage plays in the overall airport experience and why better design, stronger collaboration, and smarter technology are key to building more efficient, resilient, and passenger-focused operations. As you listen, consider: how can better baggage system design transform the entire airport journey, from check-in to carousel?

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Ryan E. Gales

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangales/

CEO/Project Manager at JGM

Azmat Aulakh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azmataulakh/

NYNJ Lead at JGM