ITB & DTB HBS Recapitalization: Deploying a highly sophisticated baggage security system

Strengthening a 25-year partnership with Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Kasian was engaged as the base building Prime Consultant for the Hold Bag Screening (HBS) Recapitalization Project – part of a CATSA initiative to convert Canada’s baggage screening systems from a five-level to a more efficient three-level process.

The project involved a complete overhaul of outbound baggage systems in both the International Terminal Building (ITB) and Domestic Terminal Building (DTB), all while processing nearly 40,000 bags per day and one million outbound passengers monthly. Eleven high-speed CT Examiner screening machines, each weighing 15,000 pounds, were installed across the terminals.

Kasian’s Transportation Team leveraged BIM, Revit, clash detection, and point cloud scanning to coordinate these upgrades. A deep understanding of YVR’s infrastructure enabled precise planning, ensuring no clashes between architectural, structural, and baggage handling systems—maintaining continuous operation and access throughout.

Some locations posed greater complexity due to proximity to critical services like hydronic pipes or high-voltage cable trays, yet construction never disrupted baggage cart operations below. Careful coordination with stakeholders, combined with the exceptional leadership of prime contractors Vanderlande Industries and Ledcor, ensured the project met all safety and code requirements.

Completed from November 2016 to January 2022, the recapitalization project was delivered without compromising safety or delaying a single flight. The upgraded system offers faster screening, enhanced operational efficiency, and greater working conditions for federal agents, while bringing YVR into compliance with the latest CATSA, U.S., and European security standards.

“Enabling the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVRAA) to upgrade their Hold Baggage Screening (HBS) facilities to the highest standards of air travel security was an absolute privilege. The Kasian-led design team took great pride in leading the base building design of this critical infrastructure aimed at guaranteeing the safety of the general public. This feat of engineering would not have been possible without the participation and leadership of CATSA, Vanderlande Industries (VI), Coniferous, Ledcor, RJC, MCW, CFT a Jensen Hughes Company, BBS and so many others.” – Jean-Daniel Bernier, Associate, Senior Project Architect