30/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 July, the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement with the Schiphol Group for a €350 million loan to finance continued upgrading and expansion of the baggage handling system at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, an investment programme that Schiphol started in 2004 and that is expected to be completed by 2013. The new baggage system will allow the Schiphol Group to maintain and improve its hub operation. It will facilitate airlines for optimal use of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, especially where passenger transfer flights are concerned. The baggage system will increase baggage handling capacity and will improve processing time and quality. As a hub operation can only be developed together with several airlines, the investment programme involves intensive collaboration between KLM Group and various domestic and international suppliers. (O.L./transl.jl)