A new report from aviation technology company SITA reveals the air
transport industry's rate of mishandled baggage improved in 2023, even
as passenger numbers rose above pre-pandemic levels for the first time
since 2019.
The SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 found the number of mishandled bags
fell from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers last year. This continued a
long-term positive trend, with a 63% drop in the mishandling rate from
2007 to 2023 occuring alongside 111% growth in passenger traffic over
that period.
The Asia Pacific region maintained the world's best baggage handling
rate at 3.0 mishandled bags per 1,000 passengers in 2023, steady from
3.1 in 2007, which SITA credited to investments in digitalisation.
However, SITA states the industry still faces challenges managing
surges in baggage volumes. The report argues pushing ahead with
digitalisation, using AI for data analysis and computer vision
technology in automated baggage handling, is vital.
SITA's research shows two-thirds of airlines now offer unassisted bag
drop, while 85% of airports have self-service bag drop to improve
passenger flows amid demand for such technologies. Communicating
transparently is also key, as 32% of passengers cited anxiety over
delays and cancellations last year.
"The improved mishandled baggage rate in 2023 is great news for
passengers and for aviation," said SITA CEO David Lavorel. "We clearly
see from the results that baggage automation is the way forward, with
more collaboration, more communication with passengers, and investments
in new technologies such as AI and computer vision."
While airlines and airports share data, SITA states there is room for
improvement, citing IATA's Resolution 753 calling for full tracking and
real-time baggage data across the journey. It also references Airports
Council International's push for self-service, real-time communication
and visibility to reduce passenger stress.