Latin American airline operator LATAM Airlines Group has agreed a six-year contract with technology supplier SITA for the implementation of a new baggage tracking system.
The airline handles more than 30 million bags a year and the new technology will provide real-time status reports on passengers’ baggage across 12 airports in seven countries, helping to reduce the number of mishandled bags.
As part of the contract, the airline will roll out 350 handheld devices to its baggage team to facilitate the loading, tracking, tracing, reconciliation and management of passenger luggage. SITA’s technology will put the baggage data at the fingertips of every ground handling employee, making it possible to track baggage no matter where it is along its journey.
Pablo Navarrete, senior airport director, LATAM Airlines Group, said, “For passengers it is a given that we will deliver their baggage on time at the passenger’s destination. With a growing network of airports across multiple countries, the ability to access real-time data on such a vital element of the travel experience gives us peace of mind that we will always have full visibility of our passengers’ baggage and are able to act proactively before a bag is mishandled.”
Alex Covarrubias, vice president, Latin American and Caribbean, SITA, said, “Our baggage management solution is used by more than 500 airlines and 200 airports around the world and has been proven to reduce the rate of baggage mishandling by as much as one third.
“By choosing SITA BagManager LATAM Airlines Group is enhancing the great passenger experience travelers have come to expect from the airline group as well as improving the performance targets of this vital element of its operation.”