GENEVA - SITA, an air transport technology company in Geneva, and IDEMIA Public Security, a computer vision, digital technologies, and biometrics company in Courbevoie, France, announced that the two businesses are building on their recent collaboration to enhance biometric and digital travel credential solutions. The collaboration combines IDEMIA's computer vision technology with SITA's expertise in baggage management to improve efficiency and provide a better experience for passengers and airlines.
The Swiss company notes that global air travel continues to recover, with passenger numbers reaching 5.2 billion in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, according to SITA's Baggage IT Insights 2024 report. Although the baggage mishandling rate improved by 9.2% in 2023, dropping from 7.6 to 6.9 per 1,000 passengers, the industry faces pressure to enhance operational efficiency.
The integration of computer vision technology aims to improve baggage tracking from check-in to the final destination, reducing the risk of lost or delayed luggage. The technology also addresses passenger demands for better control and visibility over their baggage. Additionally, automation trends, such as self-bag drop systems used at 85% of airports and mobile updates for baggage collection embraced by 32% of passengers, highlight the industry’s shift toward more efficient processes.
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"The air transport industry is facing unprecedented challenges as passenger numbers continue to surge, with global traffic expected to double by 2040," said Nicole Hogg, portfolio director for baggage at SITA. "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 partnership also aims to streamline operations across airports, airlines, and governments by promoting interoperability and security without the need for complex system integrations.
"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," says Gaurav Gupta, senior vice president and global head of sales, travel, and transport at IDEMIA. "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), 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."
