Delta Airline deploys baggage tracking process in Nigeria

Delta is deploying Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) baggage tracking technology across its system, including Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

This is just as the airline has also reported a pre-tax income of $2.4 billion for the month of June 2016 quarter.

The technology which spreads across its entire system, according to the airline, will provide Nigerian customers with improved real-time tracking of luggage throughout the travel experience.

Delta remains the only United States’ carrier to operate nonstop service between Nigeria and the United States, offering hundreds of onward connecting opportunities via Delta’s Atlanta hub.

While the RFID will replace barcode hand scanning, which is the industry standard since the early 90s, with this new technology, scanners use radio waves to capture highly accurate and consistent data stored on an RFID chip embedded in the luggage tag, driving superior tracking and increased transparency.

Through RFID, customers will see their bags on and off the aircraft during their journey via push notifications to the Fly Delta mobile app beginning in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Speaking on the innovation, the Commercial Manager for West and East Africa, Delta Air Lines, Bobby Bryan, said “RFID is another example of our investment in the Nigerian marketplace. It offers customers clear visibility of their checked bags and will set a new standard for more transparent, interactive tracking on the Fly Delta mobile app.

“Delta’s daily nonstop flight between Lagos and Atlanta has gone from strength to strength and we continue to be focused on offering the best experience for our customers,” he said.

Better baggage handling processes and enhanced technology have already shrunk the airline’s mishandled bag rates by 68 per cent over the past 10 years, establishing Delta as the leading US-based global airline for baggage performance.

Also, adjusted pre-tax income for the June 2016 quarter was $1.7 billion, a $42 million increase over June 2015 quarter. Adjusted net income was $1.1 billion or $1.47 per diluted share.