Identification, Transport Security

Hong Kong airport enhances baggage tracking

By Jianggan Li | 2 May 2009

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has awarded a multi-year contract for up to 70 million 21 inch radio frequency identification (RFID) enabled baggage tracking tags.

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HKIA was one of the first airports to adopt RFID technology, with its first RFID project starting as early as 2005.

Currently, the airport tags passenger bags in multiple locations, including check-in counters in both of its terminals, in-town check-in desks in two Airport Express stations in the city centre and upstream check-in facilities in the Pearl River Delta Area. To date, there are more than 70 airlines participating in this programme.

“To maintain its position as a premier regional and international aviation centre, HKIA is committed to providing our passengers with pleasant, hassle-free services and state-of-the-art facilities. The application of RFID is also another testament to our continuous efforts to achieve service excellence,” said C K Ng, deputy director, airport operations, Airport Authority Hong Kong.

Unlike bar code-only tags, RFID bag tags can be read at long distances and without direct contact. The RFID system is also more reliable, achieving average read-rates of more than 97 percent, versus 80 percent from a bar code-only system. As a result, RFID tags allow more accurate tracking of baggage through HKIA’s baggage system. By empowering timely and accurate checked bag deliveries to the planes, airlines and passengers experience more on-time departures. In addition, the system reduces misdirected bags resulting in improved customer service.

The three year contract is awarded to Motorola and its partners Avery Dennison RFID and Print-O-Tape, with an option for a fourth year.