Baggage mishandling has been a longstanding issue in the airline industry, causing frustration and inconvenience for travelers. According to the annual report by SITA, airlines worldwide mishandled 6.9 bags per 1,000 last year, with an even higher rate of 12.1 per thousand on international routes where interline itineraries are more common. This problem not only affects travelers’ experiences but also poses a significant challenge for airlines and airports to address.
IATA’s Initiative for Better Communication
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has recognized the need for improvement in baggage handling and is taking steps to address this issue. By launching a pilot project to test a digital messaging standard for baggage exchange communication, IATA aims to assist airlines in better communicating with each other and with airports during the delivery of checked bags across interline itineraries. This initiative could potentially revolutionize the way airlines share information about baggage, including images of bags and baggage geolocations, which are currently not supported by legacy bag messaging technology.
In 2018, IATA adopted Resolution 753, which requires airlines to track baggage at four key points in the journey and share that information with interline ticket partners. While progress has been made, with 44% of airlines having fully implemented the resolution’s requirements, there are still challenges to overcome. One key issue hindering implementation is the reliance on costly legacy messaging technology called Type B, which has been in use since the 1960s. The industry’s annual cost of baggage messaging is a staggering $1.05 billion, highlighting the need for a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
The Benefits of Digital Messaging
IATA has noted that transitioning to digital messaging for baggage communication could lead to significant cost savings for the industry. By transmitting just 10% of airline baggage messaging via digital means, global savings of an estimated $70 million per year could be achieved. Additionally, the high cost of Type B messaging contributes to message quality issues, leading to an increase in baggage mishandling incidents. Developing and implementing a digital messaging standard could not only address these challenges but also streamline the baggage handling process.
While developing the digital messaging standard may not be difficult or costly, achieving global implementation presents its own set of challenges. Airlines and airports need to work together to ensure seamless communication throughout the baggage handling process, especially at transfer points where mishandling is a common issue. It will require cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders to overcome the hurdles and improve the overall efficiency and reliability of baggage handling in the airline industry.
The initiative taken by IATA to improve baggage handling through digital messaging standards is a step in the right direction. By modernizing communication processes and reducing reliance on legacy systems, airlines can enhance the overall passenger experience and minimize the incidence of lost or delayed bags. Collaborative efforts among airlines, airports, and industry partners will be essential in driving this transformation and achieving a more streamlined and efficient baggage handling system.