As from 2020, Air France passengers' baggage tags will be equipped with RFID, the radio-frequency identification chip system. This initiative, carried out with the cooperation of Paris Aéroport, should allow a more effective tracking of their customers’ luggage. Air France and Paris Aéroport intend to improve the baggage identification and tracking, with gains in operational performance and a reduction in associated operating costs. This should ensure a better luggage information service. Marc Houalla, Director of Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport, comments : “the use of RFID technology improves the processing of checked baggage by reducing handling and transfer times, optimizing capacity and significantly facilitating baggage tracking.”

This technology will gradually be deployed at Air France's other airports, as well as at all Paris-Charles de Gaulle terminals, particularly Terminal 1.

This operation is carried out within the framework of the resolution 753 of the IATA (International Air Transport Association) which stipulates in particular that baggage must be traced throughout its journey (at check-in, boarding, transfer and arrival). It also recommends the global deployment of baggage tracking using radio frequency identification (RFID) chips.

The two French companies are thus preparing for the evolution of air transport traffic. Indeed, according to SITA's 2018 baggage report, the estimated growth in air traffic should lead to a doubling of the number of bags transported annually, which currently stands at 4.6 billion.

“This technology is a must for our goal to be one of the best airports in the world for baggage handling,” said Marc Houalla. Air France also states it “is one of the very first airlines in the world” to implement the use RFID technology. Alain-Hervé Bernard, Chief Operating Officer at Air France, said: “Air France and Paris Aéroport have a common challenge in terms of customer satisfaction and the smooth running of our operations. With more than 50 million customers carried on board our flights each year, RFID technology provides us with an innovative solution to improve the tracking and identification of baggage, guarantee its transit under optimal safety and security conditions, reduce our costs and improve our operational performance by reducing the time it takes to find missing items.”