SITA and Airportr launch tech-driven baggage delivery service – ET TravelWorld

SITA, a leading provider of IT solutions to the air transport industry, and Airportr, a European leader in baggage tech and delivery services, have announced a five-year agreement to revolutionise the way passengers manage their baggage. This collaboration comes at a time when nearly one-third of global travellers express interest in having their baggage delivered directly to their destination, according to SITA’s 2024 Passenger IT Insights report.

Airportr, which already works with major airlines including British Airways, easyJet, and Lufthansa, will offer its baggage delivery services to passengers across a wider range of airlines. With this service, passengers can check in their bags from their homes, hotels, or mobility hubs, with the bags being securely transported to their departure airports for loading onto flights.

The partnership aims to streamline baggage handling by integrating both companies’ data systems, providing real-time baggage tracking and end-to-end visibility for all stakeholders involved. By moving away from traditional airport infrastructure for bag tagging and processing, the collaboration will help reduce long queues and wait times at check-in desks, offering a smoother, less stressful travel experience.

Sergio Colella, SITA European President, commented: “Passengers want more convenience and less queuing. This partnership with Airportr aligns with our commitment to transforming the passenger experience through innovative technology, reducing airport congestion, and enhancing operational efficiency.”

Randel Darby, CEO and Founder of Airportr, added: “This collaboration is a game-changer for the travel industry. It leverages advanced technology to make baggage handling more efficient and passenger-centric, ensuring smoother journeys for travellers worldwide.”

The integration of SITA’s cloud-based Flex platform and Bag Journey service will enhance the baggage delivery service. By enriching SITA Bag Journey with data from Airportr, the partnership aims to provide accurate, real-time baggage tracking across all touchpoints, from off-airport locations to airline apps, further elevating the convenience for travellers and streamlining operations for airlines and airports.