The air transport sector is improving baggage handling despite an increase in passenger traffic, says SITA

SITA, a global leader in technology solutions for the air transportation industry, today announced an improvement in the industry’s lost baggage rate. Newly released IT Insights Luggage Report – 2024 (2024 SITA IT Luggagein English) reports that the number of lost luggage dropped from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. It is worth noting that this number fell even as traveler flows increased, exceeding 2019 numbers for the first time since five years, reaching 5.2 billion.

The long-term trend highlights the positive impact of technology investments. Between 2007 and 2023, there was a sharp (63%) decline in the rate of mishandling of luggage, while passenger traffic increased by 111%. However, the sector still faces challenges, especially in managing the growth in baggage volumes. According to the study, it is necessary to accelerate the implementation of the sector’s digitization program, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence for data analysis and computer vision technology in automated baggage handling.

This progress must include full automation, good communication and full visibility into each bag’s journey. Another study by SITA* reveals passenger anxiety about flight delays and cancellations (32% in 2023). The report shows that two-thirds of airlines now offer self-check-in and 85% of airports offer self-service. These figures reflect the sector’s demand for self-service technology to improve passenger flows. At the same time, travelers want to use their mobile phones while traveling, including when collecting baggage. Currently, 32% of passengers have baggage claim information sent directly to their mobile devices. Therefore, improved communication and visibility for passengers will encourage greater use of digital self-service and provide control over the journey.

Cooperation is essential. Although airlines and airports are making baggage data available, there is still a lot of work to be done. Only 58% of airlines provide data when collecting baggage. At the same time, 66% of airports share this information with airlines. The SITA Baggage IT Insights – 2024 survey mentioned that IATA is requiring full real-time baggage tracking and status data as part of its Resolution 753 initiative, which provides for the exchange of information throughout the entire baggage journey. luggage. The report also highlighted the International Airports Council’s call to provide passenger self-service, real-time communication and visibility to reduce stress and anxiety.

“Improving lost baggage rates in 2023 is great news for passengers and aviation. This news is impressive because global travel traffic has increased significantly over the past year and is expected to double by 2040. Based on the results of the SITA Baggage IT Insights – 2024 report, we clearly see that baggage automation is a step forward. should be followed by increasing cooperation, communication with passengers and investment in new technologies – such as artificial intelligence and computer vision, to ensure greater journey optimization. From my own travel experiences, I can say that this development will be very welcome. Technologies like these are essential because they help us collect, integrate and share data effectively. Thanks to this, we can discover important insights that make decision-making easier and more automated,” emphasizes David Lavorel, CEO of SITA.

In North America, the Baggage IT Insights – 2024 study shows a moderate long-term decline in the baggage mishandling rate, from 7.1 per 1,000 pieces of baggage in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023. US-only data highlights a strong according to the United States Department of Transportation’s travel report, improvement will occur in 2023 (North America: DOT Consumer Report for Air Travel, in English). U.S. airlines reduced its lost baggage rate by 9% year-over-year thanks to increased staffing and investments in baggage equipment and information technology.

Analyzing the European scenario, the report shows that the region has seen the largest long-term global decline in baggage mishandling rates, from 16.6 per 1,000 pieces of baggage in 2007 to 10.6 in 2023.

*IT Insights report for passengers – 2023, prepared by SITA (SITA Passenger IT Insights 2023, in English) and SITA Transport IT Insights Report – 2023 (SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2023, in English).

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Street: SITA