In a recent survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), it has been revealed that significant progress has been made in the global aviation industry to reduce baggage mishandling.

The survey, which focused on the implementation of baggage tracking according to IATA Resolution 753, provides valuable insights into the current state of baggage handling practices among airlines and airports worldwide.

Out of the 155 airlines and 94 airports surveyed, the results indicate that 44% of airlines have fully implemented Resolution 753, while an additional 41% are in the process of doing so.

However, there are notable regional variations in the adoption rates of this resolution. China and North Asia lead the pack with an impressive 88% of airlines having fully implemented the tracking requirements.

In the Americas, the adoption rate stands at 60%, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific at 40%, and Africa at 27%.

Moreover, the survey found that 75% of the airports surveyed have the necessary capability for Resolution 753 baggage tracking.

When considering airport size, the findings reveal that mega airports are leading the way, with 75% of them already capable of implementing the tracking requirements. Major airports follow closely at 85%, while large airports stand at 82%.

Medium airports, on the other hand, show a slightly lower readiness, with 61% having the capability for Resolution 753.

In terms of tracking technology, the survey indicates that the majority of airports (73%) rely on optical barcode scanning as the dominant method of tracking baggage. However, a more efficient technology, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID), is being implemented in 27% of the surveyed airports. Notably, mega airports demonstrate higher adoption rates of RFID technology, with 54% of them already employing this advanced tracking system.

Monika Mejstrikova, the IATA Director of Ground Operations, highlighted the progress made in baggage mishandling reduction from 2007 to 2022, which amounted to nearly 60%. While this is good news, Mejstrikova emphasized that the industry aims to make further improvements to meet traveler expectations.

The implementation of Resolution 753, which enables baggage tracking at acceptance, loading, transfer, and delivery, plays a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Mejstrikova stated, “Tracking bags throughout the journey reduces mishandlings and enables airlines to reunite mishandled bags with their owners more efficiently.

With 44% of airlines fully implementing Resolution 753 and 41% in progress, travelers can have increased confidence in the timely delivery of their baggage.”

According to SITA, the global rate of mishandled bags in 2022 was 7.6 per 1,000 passengers, with the majority of bags being returned within 48 hours.

The implementation of Resolution 753 and the improved tracking measures are expected to further reduce these numbers, ensuring a better travel experience for passengers worldwide.

To accelerate the adoption of modern baggage messaging, IATA is leading the industry’s transition from legacy technologies to XML standards.

The current baggage messaging infrastructure relies on costly Type B messaging, which hampers the implementation of Resolution 753 and contributes to message quality issues and baggage mishandling.

IATA plans to launch the first pilot for testing modern baggage messaging between airports and airlines in 2024.

This transition to modern messaging will enable effective communication about passenger luggage, reduce mishandled bags, and pave the way for ongoing innovations in baggage management systems.

As the industry continues to make progress in reducing baggage mishandling, the results of this survey demonstrate a concerted effort to enhance the passenger experience and ensure the smooth and reliable delivery of baggage at the final destination.

With the implementation of Resolution 753 and the adoption of advanced tracking technologies, airlines and airports are working together to minimize the inconvenience caused by mishandled bags and provide a more seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.