SITA and IDEMIA collaborate to enhance baggage handling with computer vision and biometric solutions, transforming airport operations | Representational Image
Mumbai: The air transport industry is eyeing transformation of baggage handling in international travel with collaboration of information technology and biometric solutions. Industry’s two top service providers will join hands to take airport operations including baggage handling into the future with computer vision innovation.
The global air travel is recovering strongly as passenger numbers have soared to 5.2 billion in 2023, surpassing 2019 levels according to the SITA Baggage IT Insights 2024 report.
David Lavore, CEO of SITA, and Matthew Cole, CEO, IDEMIA Public Security | File Photo
Despite this surge, the industry has made remarkable progress in baggage handling by decreasing the mishandling from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers in 2023. Although the industry saw a 9.2% year-on-year improvement, the report said that the the need for efficient baggage handling is more pressing than ever.
Following the recent announcement of their collaboration to enhance digital travel credentials and biometric solutions in border management, SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, and IDEMIA Public Security, a world leader in computer vision and digital technologies, biometrics, and security, are expanding their partnership to tackle key challenges in baggage handling and airport operations.
Leveraging IDEMIA’s expertise in computer vision, combined with SITA’s expertise in baggage processing, improves operational efficiency and provides a smoother experience for both travelers and airlines. The expanded collaboration builds on their initial agreement to improve border management, now focusing on baggage management and operational efficiency in airports.
This collaboration between SITA and IDEMIA will drive further advancements by integrating computer vision into baggage processes, allowing for better tracking of luggage from check-in to final destination. This enhanced tracking reduces the risk of lost or delayed luggage, giving passengers better visibility and control over their baggage journey, a growing demand from travelers.
The collaboration will also bolster operational efficiency at airports. While 85% of airports have introduced self-bag drop technology, 32% of passengers now use mobile phones for baggage collection updates, reflecting a clear trend towards automation. By using computer vision in baggage handling, airports and airlines can further reduce human error and enhance the speed and accuracy of baggage delivery.
Nicole Hogg, Portfolio Director, Baggage at SITA, said that the air transport industry is facing unprecedented challenges as passenger numbers continue to surge and global traffic is expected to double by 2040.
“Delays, mishandling, and inefficiencies still pose significant operational bottlenecks, impacting both the passenger experience and airport resources. 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,” said Hogg.
Gaurav Gupta, SVP and Global Head of Sales, Travel and Transport at IDEMIA, said, “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.”
Building on the success of SITA’s existing baggage management solutions, such as SITA WorldTracer®, which has reduced lost baggage by 77%, the integration of IDEMIA’s ALIX ™ technology will enhance these capabilities further.
