Lufthansa has launched new baggage tracing system, jointly developed with global air transport IT specialist, SITA, in order to speed up the repatriation of delayed or mishandled bags to passengers. The new-generation WorldTracer system provides Lufthansa agents access to a new, user-friendly desktop interface that makes it easier to record delayed baggage and trace the missing bags anywhere in the the world.
The new interface allows ground handlers, airport operators and airlines to access WorldTracer’s global baggage data while integrating it with their own reservation or operations systems, providing a data set that helps quickly trace a missing bag. The WorldTracer desktop application will be available to all agents across the Lufthansa group this year.
Guenter Friedrich, vice president, commercial and passenger, Lufthansa, said, “In situations where baggage is delayed, this new version of WorldTracer makes it possible for agents to quickly trace a bag and return it to its owner. This will have a powerful impact on customer satisfaction.”
While the development of this new application was funded by Lufthansa and SITA, it will be made available to the broader air transport community as part of SITA’s ongoing investment in WorldTracer. SITA also recently launched the WorldTracer Tablet which allows mobile agents to roam the airport, helping passengers to report mishandled baggage and trace their status.
Dave Bakker, president – Europe, said, “Technology has played a vital role in reducing the number of mishandled bags, saving the industry US$18 billion since 2007. However, unforeseen situations such as weather delays can still result in a bag being mishandled. This new application of WorldTracer speeds up the process of tracing and recovering mishandled baggage and provides further cost savings for airlines, airports and ground handlers.”
