Airport Baggage Management Solutions

How FirstBag Works

FirstBag comprises two components, hand-held terminals (HHTs) which are used in the baggage room to scan and load bags, and workstations, which are used to perform administrative tasks and monitor loading progress for each flight.

FirstBag works in conjunction with airlines’ departure control systems (DCS).  Each time that a passenger checks in a bag, it is allocated a unique bar code and the DCS sends a baggage source message (BSM) to FirstBag containing the passenger and bag information.  FirstBag stores the information and associates it with the correct flight.  When the bag arrives in the baggage room, the bar code is scanned using a HHT, and a check is performed to ensure that it matches the passenger and flight information held by FirstBag.  If the bag passes the check, FirstBag authorises it for loading.  If loading staff attempt to load a bag into the wrong container, FirstBag issues a warning and advises the correct location for the luggage, thus eliminating the ‘human error’ factor.

ICAO AAA Security Standard Compliant

FirstBag enables airlines to adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) AAA security standard by ensuring that all bags that are checked in are accounted for and authorised for carriage before being loaded. 

FirstBag also records the position of each bag that is loaded, including container and position within container.  This ensures that staff can quickly locate and offload luggage should the need arise (e.g. passenger is not travelling).

Internet Based - Greater Visibility & Real-Time Information

Unlike traditional closed systems, FirstBag utilises the distributive power of the Internet to allow real-time information to be easily shared between airports, airlines, and ground handlers, from anywhere in the world. 

FirstBag enables operational staff to compare incoming flights with outgoing and estimate the time that will be available to transfer bags to connecting flights.  Colour coded minimum connection times (MCTs) can be configured to enable staff to quickly identify instances where there is a danger of bags misconnecting with onward flights.

Reporting & Analysis for Improved Efficiency and Lower Costs

FirstBag includes a suite of flexible reports, which enable management to monitor employee and loading performance, and other parameters of key importance that can be used to increase efficiency and cut costs.  In addition, details of misconnected bags based on IATA Reason for Loss codes can be used to extract data to identify trends in misplaced baggage.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for Baggage Handling of the Future

FirstBag is designed to accommodate the rapidly emerging RFID technology.  Zafire is convinced that RFID is the future of baggage reconciliation and has invested time and money acquiring the necessary knowledge to implement the technology in FirstBag.  Zafire is currently working with one of its existing clients to make RFID a reality for their passengers.