A $215 million baggage handling system at Miami International Airport's North Terminal is ready to go, but American Airlines does not want to use it just yet.
Travelers' bags will soon weave through a 14-mile network built to carry and sort 6,400 bags an hour through bomb-detecting devices. the new system is part of a multibillion-dollar renovation by the airport's largest carrier, American.
The biggest holdup for the use of the system is how to update the computer system, which could cost $34 million. American Airlines would eat the cost of the upgrade.
Airport executives and the Transportation Security Administration want the system online now, but American Airlines wants to wait until the computer system update, which could take another 18 months.
"In spite of the challenges, we want to give the system a try, and we are negotiating with American to see if they would be agreeable to do that," said Juan Carlos Arteaga, of Miami International Airport.
American Airlines spokeswoman Martha Pantin released the following statement:
"Although we have differing views on the performance of the new inline Baggage Handling System, we continue to work toward mutual agreement with Miami-Dade County on the most appropriate path forward. We are anxious to conclude negotiations and test the system."
American made it clear that it wants the best possible experience for customers.
Negotiations include the director of MIA and Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
If they come to an agreement, the system could go online March 20.