(Finance) – Il baggage rate misguided in aviation sector has improved: this is what emerges fromlatest Baggage IT Insights 2024 report from SITAa global technology provider for the airline industry, which found that the number of bags and suitcases lost, delivered late or damaged is decreased in 2023, from 7.6 to 6.9 misdirected bags per 1,000 passengers. A decline recorded despite the number of passengers increasing compared to 2019 levels for the first time in 5 years, reaching 5.2 billion.
The long-term trend highlights the positive impact that technology investments have had. From 2007 to 2023, the rate of errors decreased by 63% while passenger traffic increased by 111%, but the sector still faces numerous challenges, in particular managing increased baggage volumes. According to the survey, it is essential to continue the program digitalization of industry, focusing on the use of AI for data analysis and computer vision technology in automated baggage handling. This technological push must include full automation, good communication and global visibility of each bag’s journey.
Another research by SITA revealed the percentage of passengers who experience a feeling of anxiety about delays and cancellations (32% in 2023) and showed how two thirds of airlines offer the unattended baggage delivery service, while the 85% of airports offer self-service bag drop. This possibility reflects the industry’s demand for self-service technologies to improve traveler flow. At the same time, passengers want to use their cell phones while traveling, including to retrieve their luggage. Today, 32% of passengers rely on baggage recovery information they receive directly on their phone. More efficient visibility and communication can encourage the use of digital self-service and give passengers more control over their journey.
In this context the collaboration between transport stakeholders becomes fundamental. While airlines and airports share their baggage data, there is still room for improvement. When it comes to baggage claim, only 58% of airlines share information. At the same time, 66% of airports share baggage drop data with airlines. SITA’s Baggage IT Insights report references IATA’s call for comprehensive baggage tracking and real-time status data as part of its Resolution 753 initiative, which includes sharing of information throughout the baggage journey. The survey also highlights Airports Council International’s call to implement self-service, real-time communication and visibility to reduce passengers’ feelings of stress and anxiety.
David Lavorel, the CEO of SITAsaid: “The decrease in baggage handling irregularities in 2023 is which is great news for passengers and the aviation industry. And it is even more remarkable when you consider that passenger traffic increased in 2023, a figure that is expected to double in 2040. From the results of SITA’s Baggage IT Insights we can see how baggage automation is the way forward, with greater collaboration, greater communication with passengers and investments in new technologies, such as AI and computer vision, in the with a view to making the journey smoother. Based on my travel experiences, I can say that these improvements will be welcomed. Technologies like these are essential because they help us collect, integrate and share data effectively. And so we will be able to collect important information that will make the decision-making process easier and more automated.”
Regarding Europe, SITA’s Baggage IT Insights report reveals that the continent has seen, in the long term, the most significant drop in the rate of mishandled baggage, going from 16.6 irregularities per 1,000 passengers in 2007 to 10.6 in 2023.
Moving on North America, SITA’s Baggage IT Insights report reveals a modest decrease in the long term of the rate of misplaced baggage, from 7.1 bags and suitcases lost, delivered late or damaged per 1,000 passengers in 2007 to 5.8 in 2023. Data relating to the United States alone show a notable improvement in 2023 (North America: DOT Air Travel Consumer Report). U.S. airlines have managed to decrease the number of mishandled bags by 9% year over year, thanks to the deployment of more front-line workers and investments in baggage-related equipment and information technology.
In the’Asia Pacificthe Baggage IT Insights report shows a long-term rate of misdirected baggage that remains stable, from 3.1 irregularities per 1,000 passengers in 2007 to 3 in 2023. This figure stands as the best globally with regards to cases of mishandled baggage. The report highlights how levels of irregularity have remained constant, despite the challenges of recovering passenger traffic. This testifies to the success of investments in the digitalization of the baggage handling process.