The baggage space is ripe for innovation, with new ways of operating using innovative technology needed to meet growing passenger volumes. New tech such as robotic loading aids and autonomous vehicles is actively being tested and will soon become more prevalent, alongside increased bag tagging, tracking, and more. In this article, Air Canada, Avinor, Barich Inc, Lufthansa, Harry Reid International Airport, BEUMER Group, Southwest, SITA, Isavia – Keflavik Airport, Brock Solutions, United, Hamad International Airport, ControlTouch Systems, and more share their insights into the top baggage trends to watch in 2025.
Learn more about the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group >>
Air Canada highlights predictive AI and automation
Jason Odey, Director Global Baggage Excellence, Air Canada, and a Captain of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group, shares that the industry has a strong appetite to embrace change with automation and 2025 is shaping the way of our future by continuing to inject Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the baggage operation. “Predictive AI is a high focus item, analysing historical data and identifying trends and areas of opportunity within the baggage footprint,” Odey explains. “With travel demand climbing, we as an industry are actively preparing for that growth by looking at opportunities to aid our frontline workers and supporting the capacity constraints of our baggage systems. To realise this goal, automation is the secret ingredient. With increasing engagement by the various stakeholders and suppliers, I believe we will start seeing innovative methods to process bags and Proof of Concepts become steady state. With this transformation on the horizon, today is the time for change management and preparing our teams for the baggage journey of tomorrow.”
Avinor highlights automation, image processing, dynamic baggage storage and more as key trends
Avinor – a Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) – is among the most pioneering airport groups in the baggage space. Indeed, it is a core airport partner in the groundbreaking BOOST initiative, alongside Schiphol Group, Incheon International Airport Corporation and Brussels Airport. Launched by Future Travel Experience in partnership with innovation consultancy nlmtd (Unlimited), BOOST aims to transform the future of baggage handling through robotics and automation. Each core member of BOOST is working on a unique technical challenge, conducting onsite Proof of Concepts (POCs) to test robotics and other technologies. Learn more about the BOOST POCs, including how Avinor is optimising the baggage journey with its load cells concept, here.
Idar Sørgjerd, Department Manager, BHS, Tech & Op. Excellence, Avinor, is a Captain of the FTE BIWG. Here, he shares his perspective on the key baggage trends and technologies that will help shape the industry in 2025:
- Self-service check-in: “This is established in the market but needs further improvements. How can we further improve the bag drop process and what kind of data should be acquired from the first bag delivery point will be a key trend in 2025. Also, how can we further improve data quality, also using images supporting the needs of airports, airlines and passengers?”
- Hold baggage screening: “3D images improve data quality and richness, while remote evaluation and decentralised image processing provides the opportunity for further automation, as well as data sharing. How will this impact cooperation between airports and regions – can we share images for mutual benefit? Is Central Image Processing (CIP) an enabler for cross data usage between different stakeholders? Will we be able to use data collection from different airports in a ‘master puzzle’ increasing safety and security by processing Artificial Intelligence (AI)?”
- Early baggage storage / dynamic baggage storage: “A key trend is establishing the usage of a central, or even decentralised, bag store at the airport. Improving logistic flow for the airports as well as increased passenger experience..Is batching the key to managing high flow requirements or is it more about the possibility of checking inn early or even only dealing with transfer baggage.”
- Automation: “What happens when, not if, we start automating the next step of the baggage handling process with robots, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) etc, improving the last mile as well as first mile? Will this change the value chain, as well as the business models?.. How will the stakeholders on airside relate to just following the flow, instead of being the “controller” of this part of the process, switching from push to pull principles?
- Airside efficiency: “Identifying the major drivers to improve airside efficiency is another big trend. This includes asset management, weather predictability, the use of AGVs indoors and outdoors, etc. How all of these factors, and more, come together is important as we explore airside automation.”
In considering the above trends, Sørgjerd also emphasises the importance of collaboration, establishing processes to achieve common goals and change within these areas.
Barich Inc highlights self-service, automation and data
Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich Inc, and a Captain of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group, explains that there are many advances in the baggage arena – both in the public front spaces and behind the scenes in the vast operational areas in back of “the wall”. “In the public space, self-service continues to make inroads on the baggage drop side, typically in a two-step model, as passengers tag and drop their bags at airports heretofore largely untouched by this capability – including smaller facilities,” Ingalls shares. “In some cases, there is direct integration to an Independent Carrier System (ICS), with those ICS installations themselves become more pervasive, particularly in North America but also in other parts of the world, often married to an Early Bag Storage (EBS) facility. These improvements drive directly to enhanced customer service as queues are minimised and flexibility for bag drop time is expanded. On the operational side, automation is playing an ever-increasing role. Ranging from autonomy on the lifting, sorting and stacking onto/into carts and/or containers at make-up to automated long-haul delivery of those bags to the plane. Tail-to-tail transfer accuracy and times are also being enhanced, aided by a combination of automation and data that flows across the entire ecosystem, driving proactive decision-making and timely intervention to improve operational efficiency. Whether on the public or operational sides, these improvements will surely allow airports, airlines and other stakeholders to accommodate ever-increasing passenger and baggage traffic safely and efficiently through the journey experience.”
Lufthansa highlights the increased adoption of automation and robotics
Anja Schuhmacher, Senior Manager Airport Experience & Partnerships, Lufthansa, and a Captain of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group, emphasises that in 2025 the industry needs to gain the trust of customers that baggage handling is reliable and transparent. “Changes will be driven by innovative technologies and operational efficiencies,” says Schuhmacher. “One of the key trends will be the increased adoption of automation and robotics in baggage handling processes. With the ongoing challenge of a shortage of qualified staff, airlines and airports are looking towards automated systems to enhance precision and reduce dependency on manual labour. Another significant trend is the integration of advanced tracking and monitoring solutions, to ensure real-time visibility of baggage throughout the journey. This enhanced transparency helps reduce instances of delayed or mishandled baggage, fostering greater trust and reliability in the baggage handling process. As these technologies continue to mature and integrate seamlessly into airport and airline operations, the future of baggage handling in 2025 promises to be more efficient, reliable, and customer-centric.”
LAS highlights automation, connectivity and real-time tracking
Rishma Khimji, Airport Chief IT Officer, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), notes that the future of travel is evolving towards personalised, seamless, and efficient service, with baggage handling playing a critical role in this transformation. “In 2025, the industry will be shaped by key trends in automation and connectivity,” Khimji explains. “At LAS, we have long embraced innovation, such as supporting RFID technology for years, and are well-positioned to integrate smart baggage tags. These advancements will enable faster and more efficient baggage services, improving the passenger experience through real-time tracking. As we continue upgrading our baggage handling system and strengthening collaborations with airlines, automation will play an even greater role. From enhanced conveyor systems to the potential incorporation of robotics, these advancements will increase operational efficiency, reduce manual processes, and can enable us to handle higher passenger volumes. We have already introduced self-service bag drop systems and support for real-time airline status updates that have further streamlined operations and reduced bottlenecks. We see these types of operations growing to a more common use capacity. By embracing these transformative technologies, LAS is committed to driving a faster and more passenger-centric future, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of innovation in the travel industry.”
BEUMER Group highlights robotics, process innovation and decision science
Per Engelbrechtsen, Business Development Director at BEUMER Group – a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – highlights some key baggage trends that will help airports on their journey towards “the autonomous BHS”:
- “Further robotisation – robots have been here for years, but the past two years have seen significant advancements in gripper technology, vision systems, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. These developments enable more precise and efficient use of robots for loading ULDs and baggage carts. We anticipate this trend will continue not only through 2025 but well into the future.”
- “Process innovation – another major trend of 2025 is the shift towards ‘The Baggage Factory’. Airports of all sizes are now adopting new sortation processes, such as Batch Build, to optimise not only the footprint of the system, but also to gain both operational and staff efficiencies.”
- “Decision science – AI is ubiquitous and will continue to evolve. A particularly intriguing area is decision science, where AI can assist baggage professionals in navigating the vast amounts of collected information and data, supporting them in making better and faster decisions.”
Southwest highlights robotics and automation, AI and IoT
Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines, and an FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group Captain, highlights three key baggage themes for 2025:
- “Robotics and automation – moving more bags or moving the same number of bags more efficiently with a reduced workforce. Automation and robotics are redefining efficiency and reliability across aviation operations. On the ground, robotics has revolutionised baggage handling.”
- “Artificial Intelligence (AI) / GenAI, and Data Analytics – predictive maintenance to better understand when parts may begin to fail before they actually fail.”
- “Internet of Things (IoT) – the underlying infrastructure needed to support the other two trends mentioned. To support the massive influx of data generated by IoT and robotics, the underlying infrastructure must evolve significantly. This includes the deployment of high-speed, low latency networks to enable real-time data transmission, edge computing systems to process data closer to its source, and robust cloud platforms for storing and analysing large volumes of information.”
SITA highlights smart tech, automation and data
Nicole Hogg, Portfolio Director Baggage at SITA (a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group) emphasises that as passenger numbers continue to soar – last year they surpassed 2019 levels, and are expected to double by 2040 – the way we manage baggage is evolving rapidly. “In 2025, we’ll see even greater use of smart technologies to make baggage handling faster, smoother and more reliable,” Hogg explains. “Automation will play a starring role, with touchless, self-service bag drops and AI-powered systems becoming the norm. Today, 85% of airports have self-service bag drop technology, and two-thirds of airlines allow passengers to drop their bags unassisted. That’s only going to increase as travellers demand more control and visibility over their journeys. What’s really exciting is the shift towards using data to transform the experience. By 2026, almost all airports and airlines will have systems in place to track baggage and share real-time updates with passengers, reducing delays and building trust. At SITA, we’re already leading the way with innovations like our newly launched WorldTracer Auto Notify, which gives passengers instant updates if their bag doesn’t make it on to their flight. It’s all about using smart technology to take the stress out of travel – for passengers and for the industry.”
Isavia – Keflavik Airport highlights automation, efficiency and ergonomics
Maren Lind Másdóttir, Director – Assets & Infrastructure, Isavia – Keflavik Airport, shares that in 2025 the focus will be on the whole baggage process. “The trend will be towards automation, focusing on efficiency and ergonomics,” says Másdóttir. “My feeling is that this is the year where we will be finding ways to effectively adapt both new and known technologies into the airport world, like robotics for sortation, loading and unloading. The focus will also be on autonomous vehicles for the baggage process, both within the baggage halls as well as delivering the bags to and from the airplanes. For the baggage systems, the trend in 2025 will be using technology to optimise the operation and maintenance of the systems. Predictability in maintenance with technology and trend analysis will lead to lower OPEX costs and increased lifespan of the BHS equipment. If we manage to adapt the automation technology trend to the airport business, we have the possibility to change the airport operations completely, making the airports of the world better, safer and more exciting workplaces than ever.”
Brock Solutions highlights modernisation and the integration of data systems
Mark Stokes, Business Unit Manager – SmartSuite at Brock Solutions – a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – believes the industry is on the brink of a transformative shift, driven by modernisation and the integration of data systems. “Adopting a horizontal approach to baggage management – one that breaks away from siloed processes – is essential to modernising operations,” Stokes explains. “By connecting disparate systems across airlines, airports, and technology providers, organisations can create a unified view of baggage operations. This interconnected framework not only enables seamless communication between systems, but also provides real-time insights that empower stakeholders to identify inefficiencies and address challenges. This transition is already underway with the adoption of modern messaging standards such as Baggage XML to enhance data sharing quality, and the integration of AirTags in baggage tracking systems for greater passenger transparency. We’ve also seen Artificial Intelligence (AI) consuming data to drive efficiencies in aircraft turns and other labour-intensive operations. The importance of data integration extends beyond operational improvements – it is foundational for futureproofing the industry. Isolated systems are the enemy of innovation, particularly as organisations implement emerging technologies such as AI and robotics which require robust data ecosystems to function effectively. A modern, horizontal integration approach ensures that systems can evolve together, supporting innovation without the need for costly overhauls. The future is bright for those who invest in scalable technologies and platforms that facilitate collaboration and open data exchange will help airports and airlines unlock this full potential while creating a smoother, more connected journey for their passengers. Embracing this integrative mindset today is the key to meeting the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”
United highlights robotics, automation and baggage tracking
Kristen Berndt, Director, Below-the-Wing Strategy & Innovation, United Airlines, believes we are going to see transformational innovation in the baggage industry in 2025. “Several companies have been developing robotic solutions to move bags autonomously, and I expect that we will begin to see these autonomous baggage carts in live airport environments in the coming months,” Berndt explains. “Baggage tracking is another key baggage trend with exciting developments. In December 2024, United became the first airline to integrate with Apple’s Share Item Location feature for AirTags. This enables customers travelling with an AirTag to securely share the location with United’s customer service team to help locate the bag in the event of a mishandling. Furthermore, airlines worldwide are demonstrating an increased focus on transparency with our customers, which will unlock opportunities to share baggage data across carriers, thereby providing customers with baggage tracking insights on multi-airline journeys.”
Hamad Airport highlights advanced technologies and sustainable practices
Richelle Maano Polintang, Senior Engineer BHS – Baggage Handling, Operations Department, Hamad International Airport, shares that in 2025, the baggage handling industry will be transformed by advanced technologies and sustainable practices. “Travellers will benefit from real-time tracking of their baggage using electronic tags and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, reducing lost bags and stress. Artificial Intelligence will provide personalised updates and services, enhancing the travel experience. Robots and automation will make baggage handling faster and more reliable, while eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems will promote sustainability. Contactless and biometric technology will streamline check-in and tracking processes, making them quicker and more secure. These innovations are set to make travelling more convenient, efficient, and environmentally friendly, ultimately shaping the baggage industry in 2025.”
ControlTouch Systems highlights Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Frank Dahl, Sr. Director of Business Development at ControlTouch Systems – a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group – believes one of the most transformative trends in baggage handling systems (BHS) is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). “These technologies enable predictive maintenance, real-time data analysis, and optimised baggage routing, reducing the likelihood of mishandled luggage while enhancing the overall passenger experience. AI-driven systems also have the ability to adapt to fluctuating passenger volumes and operational conditions, ensuring efficient and seamless baggage handling even during peak periods. To fully realise the potential of AI and ML in BHS, integrating advanced sensors for comprehensive data collection is essential. Currently, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are being tested alongside existing BHS control systems. Given that most BHS control systems already have the infrastructure to incorporate IoT sensors, it is expected that these systems will continue to evolve, making sensors an integral part of their control solutions. Properly contextualised data storage in a well-structured database is also critical, as it enables AI and ML tools to uncover meaningful correlations between data points and operational outcomes. Another key trend we anticipate is the continued push for more energy-efficient baggage handling systems. This is being achieved through advancements in electro-mechanical equipment and the use of intelligent software solutions. For instance, an AI-powered BHS control system can analyse real-time and projected baggage flow, dynamically rerouting luggage or adjusting conveyor speeds to optimise energy consumption. These measures help minimise energy usage without compromising system performance, supporting both operational efficiency and sustainability.”
FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group 2025 themes: automation, tracking, autonomous operations, and funding and collaboration
The FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) brings together the most innovative and progressive baggage supply chain companies, airlines, and airports from across the industry to provide a unique platform for cooperation and industry advancement. It is the platform for developing new techniques, technologies, and business models to deliver tangible change in the baggage sector. Members regularly come together to learn from one another and collaborate on game-changing Proof of Concepts to reduce costs, improve passenger experience, and test innovations.
With valuable input from members, the four BIWG themes for 2025 are:
- Automation – loading/unloading, scanning, imaging
- Tracking – bags and vehicles
- Autonomous operations – airside, bag room and groundside
- Funding and collaboration – how do we bring new innovation to life together?
“Automation is very important as space at airports is very valuable and we need to improve the consistency of the delivery of bags to their passengers,” says Darin Juby, Head of Transformation, Future Travel Experience. “Baggage systems and airports must learn from similar industries such as manufacturing and logistics to implement automation as the volumes of bags will increase and airport baggage assets will be processing thousands of additional bags every year and working in traditional methods will not deliver the service that passengers deserve.”
There is a saying that has recently become more and more popular in the industry – ‘if you touch a bag scan the bag’. “This is important for knowing exactly where bags are at all times to ultimately reduce the mishandled bag rate and communicate with passengers,” Juby explains. “New technology in tagging such as Electronic Bag Tags can optimise this scanning process and provide a better customer experience with less airport infrastructure when done well. Bag images will provide numerous benefits in the future to both airlines and airports as the greater the information we have on bags the better we can move bags efficiently.”
The BIWG is now approaching 140 members, including airlines, airports and suppliers from every part of the world. Members range from the largest airlines and airports to smaller regional airports and include industry leading suppliers to startup companies. Six in-person members’ meetings and five virtual meetings are planned in 2025, with the next taking place in Orlando as part of the FTE Communities Live Days (11-12 February 2025) hosted by Orlando International Airport – view the full agenda here. “I hope that in 2025 the BIWG makes some measurable change to the baggage landscape through collaboration and the members continue to look forward to our monthly meetings to connect with colleagues and friends,” Juby adds.
Learn more about the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group >>
