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Through the global deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology – which can accurately track passengers’ baggage in real time across key points in the journey – the air transport industry is looking at savings of more than US$3 billion over the next seven years.

According to global IT provider SITA and IATA, the highly accurate tracking rates of RFID technology could reduce the number of mishandled bags by up to 25% by 2022, mainly through efficient tracking.

The SITA/IATA business case was released this week during IATA’s World Passenger Symposium in Dubai, and it outlines how this will provide a major saving for airlines and deliver more certainty for passengers.

Initial deployments of RFID by airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, show a 99% success rate for tracking bags.

RFID will address mishandling during transfer from one flight to another, one of the key areas identified by SITA and IATA where the technology could help improve baggage handling rates.

It will also make sure that airports, airlines and ground handlers are able to keep track of bags at every step of the journey and ensure the right bag is loaded onto the correct flight.

As well, the technology supports IATA’s Resolution 753 that requires by 2018 airlines keep track of every item of baggage from start to finish.

The deployment of RFID would build on the already significant savings delivered by the smart use of technology for baggage management.

According to the SITA Baggage Report 2016, technology has helped reduce the number of mishandled bags by 50% from a record 46.9 million mishandled bags in 2007, saving the industry US$ 22.4 billion.

This improvement comes despite a sharp rise in passenger numbers over the same period.

For more, go to http://www.sita.aero or visit http://www.iata.org .