How to solve baggage-handling problems

A new report by SITA shows how baggage-handling at the world’s major airports can improved by new technology, solving many problems inherent in the systems used now that handle 2.25 billion pieces of checked passenger luggage every year. SITA chief executive Francesco Violante says,

“Once again, the past year has seen an increase in the amount of baggage mishandled worldwide. It also brings fresh hope, however, in the shape of new initiatives such as IATA’s Baggage Improvement Programme. It is important that we continue to move towards a comprehensive, fully-integrated global baggage management system that can direct, track and trace passenger baggage throughout the entire journey from check-in to final delivery at the destination. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) also has a role to play and could save the industry as much $700 million if it was fully implemented across the industry.”

The report shows that the aviation industry lost $3.8 billion due to baggage issues to do with lost luggage, new restrictions on space and tight air schedules.

www.iata.org