Aircraft turnaround is a complex, time-consuming task involving coordination among multiple teams. There’s always room to reduce turnaround times by improving each operational area, whether that’s loading, ramp operations, or baggage handling – and today, we’re focusing on the latter.
Optimised baggage handling is also key to customer satisfaction. Collecting luggage is one of the top causes of stress for passengers – and in a study that analysed 15,000 airline reviews, 17% of negative reviews were about luggage.
As passenger volumes continue to grow, efficient baggage handling is becoming more critical than ever – not just for keeping up with operational demands and maintaining customer satisfaction – but also for sustainability.
In this article, we’ll explore how the right baggage reconciliation software improves turnaround processes and can help the aviation industry see huge reductions in CO2 emissions.
What is a Baggage Reconciliation System?
A Baggage Reconciliation System (BRS) is a software solution used to track checked baggage from the point of check-in to its final loading onto the aircraft – and on towards the carousel at the other end of the passenger journey.
Typically, a BRS system integrates with an airline’s departure control system (DCS), which manages the overall flight operation, which includes flight plans and passenger details.
Each bag is tagged with a unique identifier that is scanned throughout the baggage handling process, ensuring real-time visibility of baggage location, status, and movement. Some modern systems use a combination of RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, barcode scanning, and mobile apps to track baggage.
How Do Baggage Handling Systems Improve Efficiency in Aircraft Turnaround?
Many advanced technologies are improving baggage management, including automated baggage handling systems that use robotics to reduce the physical strain on ground staff and transport luggage faster. In terms of software, a BRS system can significantly improve the efficiency of the turnaround process. Here’s how.
1. Faster Baggage Processing
The use of RFID technology or barcode scanning allows for quicker and more accurate tracking of checked baggage. Traditionally, reconciliation was a manual process, where baggage handlers would verify that luggage was loaded onto the right flight by matching physical tags with flight manifests.
However, with a BRS system, all bags are scanned and tracked in real-time. The system provides immediate feedback if there is a mismatch, allowing staff to address any issues promptly. This reduces the time spent searching for and verifying baggage, thus speeding up the entire baggage handling process.
2. Reduced Costly Baggage Mishandling Incidents
It’s estimated to cost USD 100 to reconnect a passenger with mishandled baggage. A baggage operations solution provides a layer of accountability, ensuring that each piece of luggage is correctly matched to its respective flight and passenger, reducing the likelihood of misdirected baggage and minimizing the costs associated with retrieval and re-flighting.
In the event of other issues, such as delays in getting baggage to the aircraft on time, the system can alert ground handlers to take corrective actions.
Baggage reconciliation software also helps airlines comply with guidelines such as IATA resolution 753 that requires that all baggage loaded onto an aircraft is linked to the passengers on board.
3. Increased Visibility and Tracking Capabilities
Real-time tracking gives staff greater visibility into the status of baggage during the turnaround process, speeding up the rectification of any issues. With cloud hosted software, users can access the system from different devices and locations, which improves coordination.
4. Improved Passenger Experience
A seamless baggage handling process directly impacts passenger satisfaction and reduces the potential for complaints or claims.
A BRS system can provide accurate baggage status updates to passengers. For example, with our passenger status update app, they can be notified about the status of their checked baggage in real-time, reducing any anxiety they may have. (Baggage collection and transfers are the top causes of airport stress, according to a UK-based survey.)
How Can an Airport Baggage Handling System Improve Sustainability in Aircraft Turnaround?
Aircraft turnaround operations contribute to an airline’s environmental footprint and in terms of the industry-wide impact, the figures are significant.
Reduced Idling
The more efficiently the baggage handling process is carried out, the faster the aircraft can be prepared for its next flight, reducing the time it spends idling on the tarmac running its Auxiliary Power Unit (APU).
According to the ASSAIA 2023 Turnaround Benchmark Report, APUs burn 1.7 kg of fuel per minute, which equates to 3.16 kg of carbon dioxide emissions. Per 16-minute delay, that comes to 27.2 kg of fuel and 85.96 kg of CO2.
Now, imagine what that amounts to on a global scale. In 2023, there were 36 million flights in total. If turnaround was reduced by just one minute per flight, that comes to savings of 61.2 million kg of fuel and CO2 reductions of 113.76 million kg. If turnaround time was reduced by 16 minutes for every flight, that would come to reductions in fuel consumption of 979.2 million kg and 3.09 billion kg less CO2.
Waste Reduction
When bags are mishandled, additional resources must be expended to locate and return the bags to passengers, such as additional flights and the use of non-electric ground support equipment. (Allegedly, 32,000 flights are required each year in order to transport mishandled baggage, generating more than 8 million kg of CO2. In addition, 300,000 trees are lost per year due to the use of paper tags.)
Since a BRS system significantly reduces the risk of baggage being misplaced, operations can become more resource efficient – and in future, perhaps printed tags will be replaced with a sustainable alternative.
Conclusion
Baggage Reconciliation Systems are transforming how airlines process baggage, with technologies such as RFID tagging further enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Real-time visibility improves team performance and automatic alerts ensure issues are rapidly resolved.
As well as the operational benefits, BRS systems contribute to sustainability efforts by reducing idling time and the resources spent on redirecting mishandled bags. These benefits all improve compliance with IATA resolutions, sustainability mandates, and other regulations.
Zafire provides market leading aviation management software for baggage reconciliation and other critical operational areas. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.
