Creating a solution that enables real-time tracking of airline baggage on a global scale seems like an impossible task when considering the number of airlines, airports, and passengers that flow through and in between them. In the 90s going on to the early 2000s, several airlines and airports conducted trials and pilot projects leveraging technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS to better mitigate the challenge of baggage mishandling and loss of luggage for airline passengers across the globe.
IATA Resolution
On the 1st of June 2018, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) held its 75th Annual General Meeting where its members agreed to consider expanding IATA’s existing baggage tag standards to include RFID technology while calling for the use of modern baggage messaging standards, such as XML, to more accurately track passengers’ baggage in real time across key points in their journey.
The resolution enabled airlines and airports globally to use barcoded bag tags with RFID inlays embedded in them, as well as the use of RFID data alerts integrated between airports, particularly within ground handling, to curb the potential of baggage loss.
It is important to note that RFID technology is NOT a ‘requirement’ , but the IATA ‘recommends’ and encourages its members to use it. Members if IATA are obligated to demonstrate delivery of baggage when custody changes; demonstrate acquisition of baggage when custody changes; provide an inventory of bags upon departure of a flight; and be capable of exchanging this information with other members or their agents as necessary in a manner that is easy to interpret.
For these purposes, RFID is far more effective than barcode technology. Unlike barcodes, RFID has an accuracy rate of 99%, with no requirement of line of sight to scan baggage tags and less human intervention. RFID technology coupled with messaging standards enables airlines to proactively remedy situations where there is potential for mishandling. Combined, RFID and XML messaging, would see a 25% reduction in baggage mishandling.
Why the combination of RFID with XML Messaging?
RFID uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data and automatically identify and track baggage tags. The technology enables multiple bags to be identified and tracked without the need for human intervention. Benefits include:
- Improved End-to-End Tracking: Increased bag tracking leads to a reduction in mishandled bags and significant efficiency gains in baggage operations. Initial deployments showed a 25% reduction in mishandled baggage, according to IATA.
- Improved Aircraft Loading and Off-Loading: Baggage can be loaded and offloaded faster, leading to fewer flight delays. RFID also leads to seamless automation, and proactive care, and therefore reduces manual operations and time.
- Improved data consistency: The current baggage barcode does not feature any error correction capabilities, and thus the reading of data can be inconsistent with ample room for error. Adopting RFID results in reading rates at an accuracy level of over 99% without human intervention.
Baggage mishandling is often caused or linked to baggage message failures or rejections. Implementing a standardized messaging language and system makes these communications accessible and intelligible for all relevant stakeholders. Benefits include:
- Improved Data Content: The amount of data content that can be communicated is increased.
- Reduced Complexity: The number of different message formats is significantly reduced creating a drastically simpler & uniform way of determining what the message means and what action(s) are required.
- Improved Security: Previous messaging lacked data security; modern standards provide encryption and data exchange signatures to ensure the security and authenticity of the information.
- Reduced Cost of Manual Handling: Improvements to the timely communication of baggage data to all affected parties reduces the cost of manually resolving issues, by preventing those issues from occurring.
- Reduced cost of messaging: Previous messaging was based on teletype messages, which incur a considerable cost. Modern baggage messaging standards can be used over the internet without these carrier rate charges.
With a myriad of fiscal & operational benefits, airports across the globe can maximize the efficiency of their operations, significantly cut costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
For more information about automatic identification, and asset management solutions contact us at info@osiris.co.za or 0861 674 747..