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.
