United Airlines is turning off its troubled automated baggage system at Denver International Airport for good today, now that it’s clear United can move bags manually just fine.
United moved to a full manual tug-and- cart baggage-handling process in early September. It said then that it planned to keep the automated system running for another month in case there were problems with the manual process, then shut it down in October.
The manual process has worked, and there was no need to go back to the automated system in the last month, said United spokesman Jeff Green.
The automated system was only used for outbound baggage and handled United’s 12,000 to 15,000 outbound bags on an average day.
Years ago, problems with the automated system postponed DIA’s opening several times, costing the city hundreds of millions of dollars.
United expects to save about $12 million annually in maintenance costs on the system. The company subcontracted for maintenance on the system with Aurora- based Phelps Program Management. Some of Phelps’ approximately 100 workers are being laid off, said Phelps vice president Ron Norby.
United remains on the hook for a $60 million annual payment to Denver through through 2025 for the automated baggage system space and equipment.
Green said the issue is in discussion.
“We are looking to save on costs in any way that we can. However, we do have a lease with the city,” he said. “We’ll work with them on any other potential cost savings.”
For now, the baggage system in the bowels of DIA “just stays there,” said DIA spokesman Chuck Cannon.
The space is not immediately needed for other uses.
Staff writer Kelly Yamanouchi can be reached at 303-820-1488 or kyamanouchi@denverpost.com.
