Global aviation technology provider SITA has initiated discussions with major Indian airlines and airport operators on the potential deployment of baggage biometric technology which is currently under trial at select European airports including Frankfurt. It uses artificial intelligence and image recognition to identify baggage based on its physical characteristics. By digitally linking bags to a passenger’s booking record, the system enables identification even when traditional baggage tags are lost or damaged, one of the most common causes of mishandled luggage.
According Sumesh Patel, President for Asia Pacific region, SITA, “India’s biometric adoption for domestic passengers through Digi Yatra is among the highest in the world along with passenger processing technology at Indian airports is now comparable with leading global hubs.”
What drove the move towards AI-derived baggage biometric technology?
The move towards AI-derived baggage biometric technology comes as airlines worldwide continue efforts to curb mishandled baggage. SITA says global mishandled baggage rates have declined from around 20 bags per 1,000 passengers a decade ago to 6.3, largely due to digital tracking, automation and real-time data sharing. Baggage biometrics aims to reduce losses further by eliminating dependence on physical tags, a frequent point of failure during transfers.
Additionally, the widespread use of personal tracking devices such as Apple AirTags has raised expectations for real-time baggage visibility. SITA has integrated AirTag location data into airline baggage systems, allowing passengers to securely share bag location information directly with airlines and ground handlers, speeding up recovery processes.
SITA on the deployment of this technology
However, deployment of such technology in India will require coordinated investment by both airlines and airports, according to SITA. Baggage biometrics relies on extensive camera infrastructure across baggage sorting and conveyor systems, as well as integration with airline IT platforms. Adoption will also require alignment between airport operators, airlines and regulators.
According to SITA, India is now the world’s third-largest aviation market, handling 411 million air travelers. The agency currently supports 61 airports in India and is rolling out cloud-based passenger and baggage solutions across up to 50 Airports Authority of India airports. New airports such as Navi Mumbai and Jewar have been designed to accommodate scalable digital and biometric systems as passenger volumes continue to rise.