SITA, a global provider of air transport technology, and IDEMIA, a specialist in computer vision, biometrics and digital security, are expanding their partnership to tackle critical challenges in airport operations, particularly in baggage handling. Building on their previous collaboration in enhancing digital travel credentials and biometric solutions for border management, the two companies aim to improve operational efficiency and provide a smoother travel experience for both passengers and airlines.
As global air travel continues to rebound, with passenger numbers reaching 5.2 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the need for more efficient baggage handling has become increasingly important. According to the SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report, the baggage mishandling rate decreased from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023, reflecting a 9.2% improvement over the previous year, driven largely by technological investments. This collaboration between SITA and IDEMIA will help to further improve baggage handling by integrating computer vision, enabling better tracking of luggage from check-in to its final destination. The enhanced tracking system aims to reduce the incidence of lost or delayed luggage, offering passengers greater visibility and control over their baggage journey—a feature increasingly demanded by travellers.
In addition to improving baggage handling, the partnership will enhance airport operations by reducing human error and boosting the speed and accuracy of baggage delivery. With 85% of airports having already introduced self-bag drop technology and 32% of passengers using mobile phones for baggage collection updates, the trend towards automation is clear. By incorporating computer vision into baggage processing, airports and airlines can further streamline operations.
The partnership will also address the challenge of ensuring interoperability and security across airports, airlines, and governments without the need for complex integrations. The integration of IDEMIA’s computer vision and SITA’s baggage processing technologies represent a significant step towards the future of more efficient and secure airport operations.
