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Conveyor Belts for Aviation and Airports
Airports never stop. Baggage handling systems run around the clock, security checkpoints process thousands of passengers daily, and cargo terminals shift freight on tight schedules. When a belt fails in these environments, the consequences ripple through the entire operation - delayed flights, frustrated passengers, and mounting pressure on your maintenance team.
Kilometres of belt are involved to get a suitcase from check-in counter to aircraft hold or reversed to baggage reclaim. This requires highly sophisticated and automated systems where reliable conveyor belts are essential at every stage.
As the UK's official Nitta Partner, APR Conveyor Belts supplies specialist belts for aviation applications. We understand that airport environments demand specific properties - fire-retardant materials meeting ISO 340 standards, anti-static construction, and whisper-quiet running in passenger-facing areas. Our engineering team identifies the correct specification for your system and delivers from stock where possible.
Typical Aviation Applications
The first conveyor belt passengers see at an airport. Typically short and narrow belts, sometimes with a small incline requiring profiled surfaces. The LRWAF 905 M series suits these applications, with flame-retardant variants available.
Collection and Accumulation
Where suitcases are held in place while belts continue running, or pushed off sideways. Belts with fabric tops or impregnated surfaces work best here, such as the LRWAF 901 FR3 series.
Acceleration and Gapping
Creating sufficient gaps between suitcases for scanning and sortation. Belts need lateral stability with softer top covers ensuring good grip, typically using RB or LD profiles. The LRAF 906 RB FR3 and LRWAF 912 series handle these demanding sections.
Horizontal Transport
The most common belt type in baggage handling. Two-ply PVC belts with whisper anti-static fabric bottoms, available with glossy or matt finishes. The LRWAF 905 M FR3 and LRWAF 910 FR3 are workhorses for these main conveyor runs.
Inclined and Declined Transport
Moving baggage between levels. Up to 8 degrees, smooth PVC covers work well. Beyond that, profiled surfaces like WT (wavetop) or RB (rib) provide the grip needed. The LRWAF 916 WT FR3 series offers quieter running than traditional rough top belts, particularly on the return section.
Merge Conveyor
Routing suitcases from one conveyor to another, often at 45-degree angles. Strip belt mergers use multiple narrow parallel conveyors, whilst full belt mergers use specially engineered constructions with angled head pulleys. The NF 906 and NAAF series handle these complex routing requirements.
Curved Conveyors
Tight routing through terminals and baggage halls. Well-designed curved conveyors need two-ply PVC belts with non-rigid fabric construction. The NF 906 and NAAF series provide excellent tracking through curves without requiring more expensive polyurethane covers.
Scanning and X-ray Equipment
Belts must not interfere with screening processes. Non-reflective matt finishes or fabric top surfaces prevent optical interference. The LRWAF 905 M FR3 and LRWAF 901 FR3 suit these sensitive applications.
Loading Conveyor
Mobile inclined conveyors loading suitcases from carriages into aircraft holds. Good grip in all weather conditions demands coarser profiles. The LRF 914 LRB with its higher rib profile handles these airside conditions.
Belt Series for Aviation Operations
LRWAF Series
The core range for airport baggage handling. Two-ply PVC with whisper anti-static fabric bottom, available in multiple top surface options including matt finish (905 M), glossy (910), and various profiles (909 RB, 912 RB, 916 WT). Fire-retardant FR3 variants meet ISO 340 requirements.
LRAF Series
Similar construction with anti-static fabric bottom for acceleration and gapping applications where grip and lateral stability are critical.
NF Series
Non-monofilament fabric construction for full belt mergers and curved conveyors. Anti-static impregnated (AS-IM) and fire-retardant (FR3-IM) variants available with smooth or profiled surfaces.
NAAF Series
Nitta's patented curved conveyor and merger belt range. Features anti-static yarns in both length and cross directions for maximum electrostatic discharge - a unique feature not found in competitor products. Available with matt finish, standard and profiled surfaces, all in fire-retardant variants.
LRF Series
Heavy-duty construction for airside loading conveyors. The 914 LRB variant with large rib profile provides grip in all weather conditions for aircraft loading operations.
H2: Aviation Resources
Nitta Corporation provides technical resources for aviation belt applications. Download detailed specifications for airport-suitable belt constructions including fire-retardant variants meeting ISO 340, anti-static formulations and low-noise whisper options designed for passenger terminal environments.
Identifying the correct belt for your specific press doesn't have to be complicated. Our APR Conveyor Belts Belt Finder tool streamlines the selection process, helping you quickly locate the right belt based on your machine type, application requirements, and material specifications. Simply input your press details or upload a photo of your existing belt, and we'll match you with the optimal Nitta solution -ensuring you get the right belt first time, every time.
TESTIMONIAL
Paul and Alan have been supporting our site here in Newmarket for the last 25 years. Within this time we as a company have built up a fantastic working relationship and support network with APR. Which benefits our site not only with servicing contracts and breakdown cover but more importantly, the technical support, their knowledge and experience is only an email or phone call away. APR have been integral in our development of the new Pratham lines that our site has invested in, giving constant support when required. We all wish this collaboration to carry this site to the level.
MM Packaging UK Limited
Dave Dobbyn - Production Manager
Belt Material Properties for Aviation
Aviation applications demand specific belt characteristics to meet safety standards and operational requirements:
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Fire-retardant construction - Required across most airport environments. Nitta belts meet the international ISO 340 standard as approved by external laboratories, indicated by FR3 in belt codes.
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Anti-static properties - Essential around screening equipment and throughout baggage handling to prevent interference and static discharge. Whisper anti-static fabric bottoms (indicated by WAF in belt codes) are standard for airport applications.
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Low-noise operation - Critical in passenger-facing terminal areas. Fabric bottom surfaces with whisper construction (W in belt codes) significantly reduce running noise compared to standard belts.
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Tracking stability - Belt speeds in baggage handling are high, requiring excellent lateral stability and tracking ability. This is mandatory for reliable operation through curves, merges and high-speed sections.
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Wear resistance - Extreme demands to prevent downtime mean airport belts must withstand constant use. Nitta's PVC compounds meet these requirements without needing more expensive polyurethane alternatives.
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Lateral strength - Provides stability on curved conveyors and angled merge systems common in terminal routing.
Aviation Conveyor Systems We Support:
We supply replacement belts for baggage handling systems from major airport equipment manufacturers. Vanderlande systems feature prominently in UK airports, including their long-term partnership with Heathrow. BEUMER installations handle baggage at multiple terminals, whilst Siemens Logistics and other automation providers equip airports throughout the country.
Our engineering team cross-references existing belt specifications from these system integrators, identifying equivalent Nitta alternatives. Whether your facility uses Ammeraal, Forbo, Habasit or other competitor belts, we match your requirements with appropriate Nitta products.
Why Choose APR Conveyor Belts for Aviation
Nitta Corporation supplies belts to airports worldwide, with specific product development focused on the demanding requirements of baggage handling and cargo operations. Their range covers every stage from check-in to aircraft loading, with fire-retardant, anti-static and low-noise properties built into the product design rather than added as afterthoughts.
As the UK's official Nitta Partner, APR Conveyor Belts combines this global expertise with local knowledge and rapid response capability. We understand that airport operations run to strict schedules with no tolerance for extended downtime. Our engineering approach means we solve problems, not just supply belts - identifying the right specification, advising on installation requirements, and getting your systems back running. You get the peace of mind that comes from working with engineers who've got your back.
Key Belt Materials for Aviation
Two-Ply PVC Construction
The standard for airport belting. Black PVC conveyors with fabric bottoms provide durability, dimensional stability and meet fire-retardant requirements. Two-ply belts handle the demands of baggage handling without needing heavier constructions.
Whisper Anti-Static Fabric (WAF)
The preferred bottom surface for baggage handling areas where many people work. Combines low-noise running with anti-static properties essential around scanning equipment.
Non-Rigid Fabric (NF/NAAF Series)
Specialist constructions for curved conveyors and angled merge systems. The NAAF series features a unique patented Nitta design with anti-static yarns running both lengthwise and crosswise, ensuring maximum dissipation of electrostatic charge - unlike competitors who only provide lengthwise anti-static properties.
Profiled Surfaces
Various profiles suit different applications. Matt finish (M) for standard transport and scanning areas. RB (rib) and LD (light duty) for acceleration sections. WT (wavetop) for inclines with quieter running. LRB (large rib) for airside loading in all weather conditions.
Common Questions About Food Conveyor Belts
Most airport authorities require belts meeting ISO 340 flame-retardant standards. Nitta produces FR3-rated belt variants across their airport ranges, approved by external laboratories. You'll find FR3 in the belt code indicating compliance. Our technical team can confirm the appropriate specification for your application and airport's safety requirements.
Static electricity causes multiple problems in airport environments. Around screening equipment, static discharge can interfere with X-ray and detection systems. In baggage handling, static causes dust attraction and can affect barcode scanning accuracy. Nitta's whisper anti-static fabric (WAF) dissipates charge safely. The NAAF series goes further with anti-static yarns in both directions - a patented feature ensuring maximum charge dissipation on curved conveyors where standard lengthwise-only anti-static treatments lose effectiveness.
Strip belt mergers use a series of narrow parallel conveyors with different lengths, creating a 45-degree merge angle. These are fairly straightforward and use standard belt types like the LRWAF 905 M FR3. Full belt mergers use a single belt with an angled head pulley at 45 or 60 degrees, requiring specialist non-monofilament fabric constructions like the NF 906 or NAAF series that can handle the twisting forces involved.
Up to 8 degrees, smooth PVC covers handle the job. Beyond that, profiled surfaces provide the grip needed. The LRWAF 916 WT FR3 (wavetop profile) offers quieter running than traditional rough top belts, particularly beneficial on the return section. RB (rib) profiles suit steeper angles where maximum grip matters.
Response time depends on the belt specification. For common aviation belt sizes and constructions, we offer same-day and next-day delivery from stock. Specialist specifications may require ordering from Nitta, typically within seven to ten days. We always prioritise getting critical airport systems back operational and can advise on temporary solutions whilst sourcing the correct belt.
Yes, we supply belts for mobile belt loader equipment used to load and unload aircraft holds. The LRF 914 LRB with its large rib profile provides the grip needed for incline operation in all weather conditions. Contact our technical team with your belt loader details for specification matching.
belt problems?
Belt problems holding up your airport operation? Contact APR Conveyor Belts for expert identification, rapid supply, and professional support that gets your systems running again.