Baggage Improvement Programme (BIP)

The Baggage Improvement Programme aims to reduce the rate of mishandled baggage by improving handling processes to ensure that passengers are reunited with their baggage at the final destination. BIP addresses all causes of baggage mishandling, including the recently concluded RFID project, which addresses 20% of baggage mishandling, and is therefore an important part of the BIP solutions toolkit.

Target:

• Launch BIP with 6 airlines and 6 airports by end of 2008.

Background:

• Rising baggage mishandling rates indicate that baggage handling systems and related processes are working at maximum capacity
• Mishandled baggage costs the industry US$3.8 billion each year
• Increasing security measures add complexity to the baggage handling process
• The result is low passenger confidence in baggage delivery

Programme Elements:

• Baggage Improvement Programme will provide airlines, airports and ground handlers with tools to:
  • Integrate systems - to optimise information sent between departure control and baggage systems
  • Conduct training - so employees know how to avoid common pitfalls
  • Ensure messages needed to keep baggage flowing are available at the right time
  • Improve bar code read rates with stiffer labels and synthetic materials
  • Increase passenger awareness of the value of checking baggage in early and attaching proper labels

Benefits:

• Passengers
  • Receiving baggage upon arrival at destination
• Airline:  
  • Improved baggage processes leading to reduced costs associated with baggage mishandling

Status:

• 11 focus sessions have been conducted with American, Air France, LAN Chile, TAROM, TAP, TAM, Emirates, Delta, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines
• 7 diagnosis visits at airports have been conducted: Kuala Lumpur, Sao Paulo, Santiago, Dubai, Seattle, Dallas and Chicago

Updated: November 2008