[See also:
Photo story - Terminal 3 RFID trial]
BAA and Emirates Airline have launched the largest
radio frequency identification (RFID) baggage trial which could
reduce the number of misread bags at Heathrow airport.
The £150,000 trial will
test the effectiveness of RFID against the airport’s existing
barcode tracking system.
Unlike barcodes,
RFID tags do not require line of sight contact with a laser,
which can sometimes misread barcodes if they are crumpled or
torn.
It is expected to track around 50,000 bags per for passengers
travelling with Emirates to Dubai and transferring through
Heathrow.
Stephen Challis, Head of Product Development at BAA said the
project could “significantly
improve the
efficiency of Heathrow’s baggage system, delivering an improved
service to both passengers and airlines alike.”
Heathrow has begun a six month trial of RFID technology for
Emirates passengers. The system, which tracks bags at every stage
of their journey, claims to be a UK first. A duplicate of the
Heathrow system has been installed at Dubai airport.
“The volume of baggage processed at airports is increasing, with
more people flying around the world each year,” said Vic Sheppard,
Emirates vice president for UK and Ireland. “It is important to
Emirates to look at innovation and new baggage handling and
tracking systems.”
RFID equipment has been installed at nine Emirates check in
desks. Staff will apply tags containing RFID chips to bags as part
of the normal check in process. The chips contain stored
information, including the passengers name and route.
Departing passengers will be invited by BAA staff to voluntarily
register their mobile phone details, which will enable them to
receive a text message alert on arrival at Heathrow with details of
their baggage re-claim belt.
The tags will continue to display the traditional barcode in
addition to the embedded RFID chips as part of the trial.
See also:
Terminal 3 RFID trial - photo story