IATA highlights industry progress in baggage handling

May 9, 2024 - 10:28 am

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has published the initial results of its campaign, initiated earlier this year, to assist airlines with the implementation of baggage tracking; highlighting that 44% of those surveyed have fully implemented recommended processes.

IATA resolution 753 (first drawn up in 2018) requires the tracking of baggage at acceptance, loading, transfer and arrival. Of the 155 airlines and 94 airports surveyed, 44% were compliant with these measures, while a further 41% were in the process of adopting them. 75% of those surveyed had the capacity for resolution 753 baggage tracking, including 85% of major and 82% of large airports respectively.

Regional variation across baggage tracking adoption methods was also seen: varying from 88% in China and North Asia, to 60% in the Americas, 40% in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and 27% in Africa.

“Between 2007 and 2022 baggage handling reduced by nearly 60%. That is good news. But travellers deserve better, and the industry is determined to make further improvements,” highlighted Monika Mekstrikova, IATA Director Ground Operations. “Tracking bags at acceptance, loading, transfer and delivery will give the industry the data it needs to improve”.

Optical barcode scanning is the dominant tracking technology (in use by 73% of airports surveyed), while the more efficient RFID (radio frequency identification technology) is implemented in 27% of surveyed airports. However, this advanced tracking system is already implemented at 54% of ‘mega airports’
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