Upgrades Proposed for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport Baggage System
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is preparing for significant upgrades to its baggage handling capabilities to meet expected passenger growth over the next five to seven years. An emergency ordinance, Ord. No. 924-2026, proposes a plan to design and construct an improved in-line baggage system to increase the efficiency and reliability of the airport's current infrastructure.
What's in the file
The legislation authorizes the Department of Port Control to implement a public improvement project to upgrade the airport's in-line baggage handling system (BHS). According to the Legislative Summary, the project is necessary because current passenger forecasts have exceeded the data used when the system was originally designed in 2013.
The official project description includes several major technical upgrades:
- Upper-Level Controls Replacement: Replacing the existing system with a redundant server architecture, which includes two physical servers, six operator workstations, nine baggage status displays, and ten large-screen monitors.
- Logic and Throughput Improvements: Optimizing lower-level controls to reduce conveyor collisions and improve baggage flow.
- Equipment Installation: Installing Variable Frequency Drives on all SF1 conveyors to provide better speed control and operational flexibility.
- Comprehensive Management: The project covers design, engineering, testing, and commissioning, including overnight field installation to minimize disruptions.
The ordinance authorizes the Director of Port Control to enter into contracts with the Cleveland Terminal & Equipment Company (CTEC) to execute this work. The total cost for these contracts is capped at $6,500,000 and will be paid from Fund No. 60 SF 170.
Who may be affected
- Department of Port Control (Division of Airports): The municipal department responsible for overseeing and implementing the improvement.
- Cleveland Terminal & Equipment Company (CTEC): The designated contractor tasked with the design and construction of the system.
- Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: The site receiving the infrastructure upgrades to handle increased passenger volume.
Status and timeline
- August 13, 2026: The ordinance was introduced by Council Members Slife and Griffin.
- August 19, 2026: The ordinance received its first reading and was referred to the committees on Transportation and Mobility, and Finance, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Residents can verify the details of this proposal by reviewing the official record at the Cleveland City Council Legistar portal.
Source record
- File
- 924-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- First Reading
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- August 12, 2026
Official documents
- 924-2026-Dir K design build w Cleveland Terminal Equipment for baggage handling system at CHIA
- 924-2026-Legislative Summary-BHS Recontrols_8.3.2026
- 924-2026 Amend 924-2026
- 924-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final (Cleveland Terminal Equipment for baggage handling system at CHIA)
- FINAL VERSION City Record October 16, 2026 Page 89