NAIROBI – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched a 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap to modernize baggage operations. Developed with airlines, airports, and industry partners, the roadmap sets a clear path to improve both operational efficiency and traveler satisfaction.
“Baggage is important for travelers. When they check a bag, they expect it to arrive on time. And if it doesn’t, they want to know where it is. That is confirmed by recent IATA polling showing 81% of travelers want better tracking, 74% expect real-time updates on their mobile phones and 67% are willing to switch to electronic bag tags. The Global Baggage Roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travelers want,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations.
The Roadmap is built around three pillars:
- Baggage Information Exchange and Data Standardization to align how baggage information is shared among airlines, airports, and partners. For passengers, replacing legacy systems like teletype with modern messaging standards will mean faster baggage reconciliation, fewer delays due to data errors, and more reliable service recovery when issues arise. Driving transformation towards this new API-driven baggage messaging standards will significantly reduce the airline industry’s annual spending of USD 1 billion on teletype messaging.
- Baggage Tracking and Automation to provide visibility throughout the journey. This includes the use of electronic baggage tags, GPS tracking, and robotics that will enable passengers to track their bags in real time and experience smoother transfers and arrivals.
- Streamlining the baggage claim process, combating fraud, and enhancing the customer experience so airlines can resolve passenger’s claims faster and have better protections from baggage-related fraud.
“This Roadmap will consolidate the progress of previous initiatives to modernize baggage processes and take a holistic view of where we need to be in 10 years. With the buy-in of all stakeholders we are better placed than ever to improve traveler satisfaction by delivering the digital, automated, and customer-focused service that they get in many other sectors,” said Mejstrikova.
The Global Baggage Roadmap aligns with IATA’s broader efforts to modernize ground operations, enhance safety, and improve the passenger experience. IATA will work closely with stakeholders to develop implementation guidance, provide training, and monitor progress.
Ground Handling Priorities: Safety, Baggage, Global Standards and Sustainability
IATA also highlighted four priorities for ground handling at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) which takes place in Nairobi, hosted by Kenya Airways:
- Embedding safety in every action
- Driving global standardization
- Enhancing baggage operations
- Building a sustainable and inclusive way forward
“Ground handling is essential for aviation. It ensures safety, enables efficiency, and shapes the passenger experience. As the complexity of today’s operating environment increases—tighter turnarounds, regulatory pressure, and the drive to decarbonize – the industry must come together to embed safety in every action, accelerate global standardization, and build a more sustainable and inclusive way forward,” said Monika Mejstrikova.
Embedding Safety in Every Action
Safety is aviation’s top priority. IATA highlighted three key areas of action to enhance safety and performance in ground handling:
- Using Data to Improve Safety
“For the first time, we’ve included ground-related fatalities involving aircraft in our global safety taxonomy. This gives us a clearer picture of the risks—and the data to act on them. Insights from IATA’s Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Accident Data Exchange (ADX) programs have already driven targeted updates to safety procedures in the Ground Operations Manual. The message is clear: the more data we share, the safer we become,” said Mejstrikova.
Data from IDX and ADX has driven key safety updates to the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), including clearer no-touch zones, mandatory brake checks, safer pushback procedures, and improved protocols for aircraft with inoperative Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or hot brakes. Fire safety, chock placement, and sensor requirements were also enhanced. These changes are targeted, data-driven actions – and their impact depends on broad industry participation. IATA urges more airlines and ground handlers to contribute safety events data to help make ground handling even safer.
- Transition to Enhanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE)
Enhanced GSE, equipped with proximity sensors, is a game changer for ramp safety. To drive adoption, IATA launched the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program in 2024. Since then, 98 ground handling fleets have been registered and 28 stations recognized. From April 2025, declarations will be mandatory at all ISAGO-accredited locations, with expanded criteria to include mobility equipment.
“The adoption of Enhanced GSE is a practical step toward reducing ground damage and improving safety on the ramp. It’s a clear example of how smarter equipment leads to safer operations,” said Mejstrikova.
- Adoption of IATA’s X565 Standard to Improve Accuracy of Weight and Balance Data
Accurate weight and balance data is essential for safe, efficient turnarounds. IATA’s new X565 standard automates data exchange, with early adoption by airlines including Lufthansa Group and Flydubai, with support from Boeing and Airbus. IATA is also finalizing the Electronic Load Instruction and Reconciliation (ELIR) standard, set for release this year, with early results showing fewer errors and delays.
“Digitalizing weight and balance is one of the most effective ways to enhance turnaround safety and reliability. We urge more airlines, handlers, and manufacturers to adopt these standards and help accelerate safer, smarter operations,” said Mejstrikova.
Global Standardization of Processes
Global standards are the foundation for safe and efficient operations. Two key tools for ground handling service providers (GHSPs) are the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
- ISAGO: In 2024, ISAGO reached a record 400 station accreditations, with over 170 airlines using audit reports and more than 50 regulators and airports integrating ISAGO into their oversight frameworks. This helped avoid 545 internal audits, streamline 359 procurement decisions, and reduce audit time at 350 stations—delivering USD 8.7 million in combined savings for airlines and GHSPs. An enhanced ISAGO model will launch in mid-2025, featuring single-auditor audits, remote documentation checks, updated checklists, and reduced fees.
- IGOM: To support IGOM adoption, the new Operational (OPS) Portal – formerly the IGOM portal is now used by 221 airlines and 259 ground handlers for gap analysis and benchmarking, with expanded functionality covering training, safety, and cargo handling. Broader participation in these tools will multiply their value across the industry. OPS portal membership includes over 240 airline members, 322 GHSPs, and there have been 312 published gap analyses.
Enhancing Baggage Operations
Baggage operations are being modernized under a 10-year Global Baggage roadmap focused on digital messaging, end-to-end tracking, and automation. This includes support for Resolution 753 implementation, fraud prevention tools, and updates to key baggage standards. Together, these initiatives will help create a safer and more seamless passenger experience.
“Modern baggage operations are central to the passenger journey. The Global Baggage roadmap will move us closer to the automated digital baggage services that travelers want,” said Mejstrikova.
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Way Forward
Building a sustainable and inclusive way forward is a key priority for ground operations. Industry priorities include:
- Electrifying Ground Support Equipment (GSE): GSE can cut emissions by up to 48% per turnaround. To support this shift, IATA has published guidance covering operational planning, battery management, infrastructure readiness, and safety – alongside economic modelling tools for smarter investment decisions.
- Accessibility: Ensuring accessibility is embedded across the journey is an industry priority. IATA is working with regulators and manufacturers to improve handling guidance for over 400 types of mobility aids—many powered by lithium batteries.
- Baggage Operations: Baggage operations are also being modernized under a 10-year roadmap focused on digital messaging, end-to-end tracking, and automation. This includes support for Resolution 753 implementation, fraud prevention tools, and updates to key baggage standards. Together, these initiatives will help create a safer and more seamless passenger experience.
The article IATA launches Global Baggage Roadmap first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.