Supporting the aviation sector with safe solutions

How did Leonardo manage the COVID-19 crisis?

The rapid spread of coronavirus has shocked the world and its full impact is still tangibly affecting the global economy.

This situation has forced most companies to adopt alternative and innovative ways of working, as well as smart working. Leonardo successfully managed to cope with this need thanks to a digitalisation process that has been in progress for several years, which demonstrates the company’s growing ability to adapt.

As the Automation Systems Business Unit of Leonardo Electronics Division, we continued to support our customers by implementing provisions and strategies that can overcome any issues during the pandemic.

Furthermore, Leonardo found ways to adapt, invent and transform itself, maximising the situation, continuing to ensure business continuity and respecting all security and safety standards, both domestically and internationally.

What activity is Leonardo implementing in the baggage handling systems sector?

Leonardo boosted its investment plan to better perform and offer to our customers an increasing number of products and service technologies for when the market restarts.

In particular, it is employing resources to develop new products and is studying new technological innovation to make our machines smarter, equipped with improved diagnostics and the ability for predictive analytics across the entire plant.

The Multisort Baggage Handling System (MBHS) is one of Leonardo’s key products. Its sorter machine is based on cross‑belt technology; currently one of the technologies most requested in the baggage handling sector.

We are working on updating MBHS to become a product that is increasingly suitable to customers’ requirements. We are also studying new design solutions to reduce the sorter footprint.

What are your predictions with regards to the future of the airport sector?

There is still a high level of uncertainty regarding the forecast recovery and all companies operating within the airport sector are experiencing a difficult situation. The COVID-19 vaccine is the key to an effective restart; this will regenerate trust and confidence in air travel.

In this phase of market recovery, we are called upon to make difficult choices, so it is essential to have a strategic vision for the future.

In our opinion, the key factor will be innovation, which will be fundamental to optimising processes and providing more reliable, flexible and smarter solutions.
At Leonardo, we continue to support our customers and the country through our skills, technologies, capabilities and solutions, ensuring maximum reliability and safety.