SITA Partners with IDEMIA to Unleash a Revolution in Airport Baggage Handling and Operational Efficiency

Published on December 5, 2024

SITA, a global leader in air transport technology, and IDEMIA Public Security, renowned for its expertise in computer vision, digital technologies, biometrics, and security, are deepening their collaboration to address critical challenges in airport operations and baggage handling. Building on their previous partnership aimed at improving digital travel credentials and biometric solutions for border management, the two companies are now focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience.

By combining IDEMIA’s cutting-edge computer vision technology with SITA’s baggage processing expertise, the partnership aims to streamline baggage handling, ensuring a smoother experience for both travelers and airlines. With air travel continuing its robust recovery – passenger traffic hit 5.2 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels – efficient baggage management has never been more crucial.

The industry has already made significant strides, with the mishandling rate dropping from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023, marking a 9.2% improvement year-on-year. This progress can be attributed to increased investments in technology, as highlighted in the SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report. Through the integration of computer vision into baggage processes, SITA and IDEMIA aim to further reduce mishandling rates and improve luggage tracking from check-in to arrival at the final destination, providing travelers with greater transparency and control over their luggage.

In addition to better tracking, the partnership will enhance airport operations. With 85% of airports adopting self-bag drop technology and 32% of passengers using mobile phones for baggage collection updates, the shift towards automation is evident. The use of computer vision in baggage handling will help minimize human error, speeding up the process and increasing accuracy, ultimately benefiting both passengers and airlines.

Nicole Hogg, Portfolio Director, Baggage at SITA, said: “The air transport industry is facing unprecedented challenges as passenger numbers continue to surge, with global traffic expected to double by 2040. Airports and airlines are struggling to keep pace with this growth, particularly when it comes to baggage handling. Delays, mishandling, and inefficiencies still pose significant operational bottlenecks, impacting both the passenger experience and airport resources. This is why our partnership with IDEMIA is so crucial. By integrating computer vision into baggage processing, we are tackling these challenges head-on. Together, we’re setting a new standard for how the industry handles baggage, reducing mishandling and delivering a smoother, more secure journey for everyone involved.”

The collaboration also tackles a key challenge in the industry: ensuring seamless interoperability and security between airports, airlines, and governments without the need for intricate integrations.

Gaurav Gupta , SVP and Global Head of Sales, Travel & Transport  at IDEMIA, added: “With our shared mission to enhance the overall baggage handling experience for the air transport industry and for the passenger, IDEMIA is proud to partner with SITA. As a result of our strong legacy with biometrics and many decades of computer vision expertise, we have developed the Augmented Luggage Identification Experience (ALIX ^TM),an AI-driven baggage image matching solution. In partnership with SITA and integrated within SITA’s baggage portfolio, IDEMIA will help in redefining baggage processing within airports, improving airline operations, reducing baggage mishandling, and improving customer experience.”

Building on the achievements of SITA’s established baggage management tools, like SITA WorldTracer®, which has decreased lost baggage by 77%, the integration of IDEMIA’s ALIXTM technology will elevate these capabilities even further. In partnership, SITA and IDEMIA are developing a cutting-edge solution that transforms baggage tracking and optimizes airport operations.