This article is based on an official press release from Leonardo.

Leonardo Secures Over $120 Million in Contracts to Modernize Baggage Systems at Houston and Melbourne Airports

Leonardo, the global aerospace and defense company, has announced the signing of two significant contracts with a combined value exceeding $120 million USD. According to an official press release issued by the company, these agreements will see Leonardo upgrade and replace critical baggage handling systems (BHS) at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston, Texas, and Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) in Florida.

The infrastructure projects are designed to prepare both airports for surging passenger demand anticipated in 2026. For Houston, this timeline aligns with the city’s role as a host for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Melbourne is scaling operations to accommodate increased international tourism traffic.

Scope of Infrastructure Upgrades

The contracts involve the deployment of Leonardo’s proprietary Multisort Baggage Handling System (MBHS), which utilizes Cross-Belt sorter technology. This technology is favored for its ability to handle high volumes of luggage with precision while maintaining a compact footprint.

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)

At Houston’s Hobby Airport, a key hub for Southwest Airlines, the project entails a full-scale replacement of the existing baggage infrastructure. According to the project specifications released by Leonardo, the new system will feature:

• Two high-performance Cross-Belt sorters measuring 780 feet and 673 feet respectively.
• Integration with a TSA-compliant Checked Baggage Inspection System (CBIS).
• A new Early Bag Storage (EBS) solution to manage layovers and schedule changes efficiently.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

In Florida, the project at MLB focuses on installing a new BHS to support the airport’s rapid growth as a coastal gateway. The installation will include:

• A 524-foot Cross-Belt sorter.
• Five induction lines and 13 sorting chutes.
• Integration with three Explosive Detection System (EDS) machines to ensure 100% TSA compliance.

“Through these programmes, Leonardo will modernize and streamline baggage operations without interrupting the airports’ daily activities… Passengers will benefit from faster, more secure and more reliable baggage processing.”
, Leonardo Press Release

Strategic Drivers: The “2026 Demand”

While the press release cites “evolving traffic demand in 2026” as the primary catalyst for these investments, industry context clarifies the specific pressures facing these hubs.

Houston and the World Cup: Houston Airports System is currently managing a broader $470 million expansion of the West Concourse at Hobby Airport. With Houston scheduled to host seven matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the airport requires infrastructure capable of handling “Super Bowl-level” traffic volumes. Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, emphasized the importance of these upgrades in public remarks regarding the expansion:

“As the first and last impression for millions of visitors, Bush and Hobby airports are investing in enhanced facilities… to create an unforgettable experience for travelers.”
, Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports

Florida’s International Growth: Melbourne Orlando International Airport has recently expanded its portfolio by becoming a gateway for TUI, a major UK holiday operator. This partnership is expected to bring approximately 150,000 new international passengers annually. Leonardo’s compact sorting technology was reportedly selected at MLB because it fit within the existing terminal footprint, reducing construction costs by an estimated 16% and shortening the project timeline by six months.

AirPro News Analysis

The selection of Leonardo for these projects highlights a growing trend in U.S. airport infrastructure: the shift toward European-style automated sorting to solve space constraints. Many U.S. airports, built decades ago, lack the physical space to expand baggage halls outward. Technologies like the Cross-Belt sorter allow airports to increase throughput within existing walls.

Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainability in these contracts is notable. Hobby Airport has achieved Level 2 Airport Carbon Accreditation, and Leonardo’s systems utilize “start-stop” linear motors to reduce energy consumption during low-traffic periods. We expect to see more brownfield airport projects in the U.S. prioritize these energy-efficient retrofits as federal funding increasingly ties grants to sustainability metrics.

Technology and Software Integration

Beyond the physical hardware, the contracts include the implementation of advanced software suites. Leonardo will deploy its SAC (Sorting Allocation Controller) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. These platforms provide airport operators with real-time monitoring capabilities, allowing for predictive maintenance and the tracking of baggage flow to prevent bottlenecks before they occur.

Leonardo claims its MBHS technology offers a sorting accuracy of 99.9%, a critical metric for airports expecting high-intensity surges during major international events.

Sources:
Leonardo Press Release
Houston Airports System
Melbourne Orlando International Airport

This article summarizes reporting by ENR and journalist Gary Lakes, as well as official project announcements. The original ENR report may be paywalled; this article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Qatar-led Consortium Inks $4 Billion Deal to Rebuild Damascus Airports

A consortium led by Qatar’s UCC Holding has officially signed a $4 billion agreement to rebuild and expand Damascus International Airport. According to reporting by Engineering News-Record (ENR), this initiative represents the largest foreign investment in Syria since the conclusion of the civil war. The project aims to transform the facility into a major regional hub, signaling a rapid shift in the nation’s economic trajectory following the establishment of a new transitional government.

The agreement was formalized in Damascus in the presence of Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack. As noted in project documentation, the deal relies on a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and involves a coalition of companies from Qatar, Turkey, and the United States. The signing follows the recent repeal of the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act, which previously barred such international engagement.

Consortium Structure and Investment

The project brings together five major international firms, combining Gulf capital with Turkish construction expertise and American investment participation. According to details released regarding the agreement, the consortium is led by UCC Holding, a subsidiary of Qatar’s Power International Holding.

Joining the Qatari lead are three significant Turkish partners and one U.S. firm:

• TAV Airports (Turkey): A global operator part of Groupe ADP, bringing operational experience from Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
• Cengiz İnşaat (Turkey): A construction giant known for its role in the Istanbul Airport joint venture.
• Kalyon İnşaat (Turkey): Another key contractor from the Istanbul Airport project.
• Assets Investments USA LLC (USA): An investment firm whose CEO, Anthony Salter, attended the signing.

The inclusion of a U.S. firm and the attendance of a U.S. Special Envoy underscores the geopolitical pivot enabled by the lifting of Treasury (OFAC) sanctions. In a statement regarding the project’s ambition, UCC Holding Chairman Moutaz Al-Khayyat commented on the consortium’s goals.

“Reshape the future of Damascus International Airport [to match] advanced regional airports.”

, Moutaz Al-Khayyat, Chairman of UCC Holding

Architectural Vision and Capacity

The masterplan for the expansion has been designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (UK). Reports indicate the design draws inspiration from the “Damascus Sword,” utilizing the fluid lines characteristic of the firm’s architectural style. The project is structured to increase passenger capacity dramatically over the next decade.

Phased Construction Timeline

According to the project roadmap, the construction will occur in phases to ensure immediate operational improvements while long-term structures are built:

• Immediate Phase (Mid-to-Late 2026): Rehabilitation of Terminals 1 and 2 is expected to be completed, restoring a capacity of 6 million passengers per year.
• Future Expansion: The construction of a new Terminal 3 is planned to eventually raise capacity to 16 million, with a long-term target of 31 million passengers annually.

The scope of work also includes a new 5-star airport hotel, 32 boarding gates equipped with modern airbridges, and a 50km access road connecting the airport to the city center. Additionally, $250 million has been allocated specifically for the purchase of 10 new aircraft for Syrian Airlines.

Political and Economic Context

This infrastructure deal is inextricably linked to the recent political changes in Syria. Following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, the U.S. Congress repealed the Caesar Act via the FY 2026 NDAA. ENR reports that this project serves as a major test case for the new regulatory environment.

The presence of U.S. officials at the signing ceremony suggests a coordinated effort to reintegrate Syria into the global economy. By leveraging Syria’s geographic position, the consortium aims to restore Damascus as a transit point that can compete with other established Middle Eastern hubs.

AirPro News Analysis

The speed at which this deal was assembled, mere months after the political transition, suggests that contingency planning for Syria’s reconstruction was likely underway well before the official lifting of sanctions. The composition of the consortium is particularly strategic: it marries Qatari capital (Qatar was a long-time opponent of the Assad regime) with Turkish construction logistics (Turkey hosts millions of Syrian refugees) and U.S. diplomatic cover.

For the Aviation industry, the involvement of TAV Airports is the operational linchpin. While the construction is massive, the management of the airport will require experienced hands to meet international safety and security standards after years of isolation. If successful, this project could serve as the blueprint for future infrastructure reconstruction across the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is designing the new airport?
The masterplan is designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, a UK-based firm known for futuristic designs.

When will the airport be operational?
Terminal 2 is expected to be operational by mid-2026, with Terminal 1 refurbishment complete by the end of 2026. Full expansion will take approximately 8 years.

Is it legal for U.S. companies to invest?
Yes. The Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act was repealed by the U.S. Congress, and OFAC sanctions have been lifted, allowing U.S. firms to participate.

Sources

• ENR: Qatar-led Consortium Signs on for $4B Rebuild
• Consortium Project Announcement & Public Briefing

This article summarizes reporting by The Times of India.

Navi Mumbai International Airport Officially Begins Commercial Operations

Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), officially designated as D.B. Patil International Airport, commenced commercial operations today, December 25, 2025. As reported by The Times of India, the opening marks the end of years of missed deadlines and establishes the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) as the first urban region in India to function with a dual-airport system.

The launch initiates a new era for aviation in western India, aiming to alleviate the severe congestion at the existing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA). While the terminal infrastructure is operational, initial reports highlight significant challenges regarding ground connectivity for the first wave of passengers.

Day One Flight Schedule and Airlines

According to the operational schedule released for the launch, the airport is currently functioning within a 12-hour window from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The first day of operations features 30 scheduled domestic movements, split evenly between 15 arrivals and 15 departures.

Key operational highlights include:

• First Arrival: IndiGo flight 6E 460 from Bengaluru, scheduled to land at 8:00 AM.
• First Departure: IndiGo flight 6E 882 to Hyderabad, scheduled for takeoff at 8:40 AM.

Four major carriers, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and Star Air, are operating the initial flights. The network covers major metropolitan hubs including Delhi, Chennai, and Kolkata, as well as Tier-2 cities such as Jaipur, Goa (Mopa), and Kochi. Regional connectivity is being serviced by Star Air with flights to Nanded.

Terminal Infrastructure and Design

Terminal 1 is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually in its first phase. The architecture, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, features a distinctive lotus-inspired roof intended to symbolize purity. Inside, the facility is equipped with modern passenger processing technologies.

Passengers traveling through NMIA today have access to DigiYatra for biometric-based entry and boarding. The “Bombay Bond” food court is also operational, hosting local dining brands. The single operational runway (08/26) measures 3,700 meters, capable of accommodating large wide-body aircraft, though a second parallel runway remains in the planning stages for future phases.

Connectivity Challenges Persist

While the aeronautical infrastructure is ready, reaching the airport remains a hurdle. Reports indicate that last-mile connectivity is incomplete. The primary road access routes via the Atal Setu (MTHL) and Palm Beach Road lead to approach roads where construction debris is still visible. One specific 800-meter stretch near the entrance has been reported as unlit.

Public transport options are currently limited:

• Bus: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) is operating approximately 50 electric buses connecting to nearby railway stations.
• Rail: The nearest train station, Targhar, is roughly 3.5 km away, with low train frequency.
• Metro: There is no direct metro connectivity; the dedicated airport line is not expected to be operational until 2029 or later.

AirPro News Analysis

The opening of NMIA is a critical infrastructure milestone, but the “soft launch” nature of the ground transport suggests a turbulent initial period for passenger experience. While the “Twin Airport” model places Mumbai alongside cities like London and New York, the efficacy of this system relies heavily on seamless inter-airport and city-to-airport transit. Until the Ulwe Coastal Road is completed (projected late 2026) and rail frequency improves, NMIA may primarily serve residents of Navi Mumbai, Pune, and Raigad rather than decongesting traffic from South Mumbai.

Ownership and Future Roadmap

The airport is developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), which holds a 74% stake, with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) holding the remaining 26%. The total project cost is estimated between ₹16,700 crore and ₹17,000 crore.

Looking ahead, the airport plans to transition from its current 12-hour schedule to full 24/7 operations by February 2026. Future expansion phases aim to increase capacity to 90 million passengers annually by 2032, with the addition of three interconnected terminals and a second runway.

Sources: The Times of India