The baggage domain is entering a pivotal phase of transformation. As passenger volumes continue to rise, airports and airlines are increasingly rethinking traditional operating models and embracing smarter, more scalable solutions. Technologies such as robotic loading aids, autonomous vehicles, and advanced bag tagging and tracking are moving rapidly from pilot to practice, promising gains in efficiency, resilience and passenger confidence. Our comprehensive focus on baggage innovation spotlights the top baggage trends to watch in 2026, with compelling insights from FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) Captains and a wide selection of BIWG Partners.
Learn more about the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group ā the industry forum where the future of baggage handling will be defined >>Air Canada, GOAA, Southwest, Barich Inc, BNP Associates, YVR, BEUMER Group, Introba, and BAGTAG on AI, robotics and automation, baggage tracking, computer vision and much more
In part 1 of our comprehensive focus, Air Canada, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, Southwest Airlines, Barich Inc, BNP Associates, Vancouver Airport Authority, BEUMER Group, Introba, and BAGTAG share their perspectives on the key baggage trends set to shape the industry in 2026 and beyond.
Jason Odey, Director Global Baggage Excellence, Air Canada
Jason Odey, Director Global Baggage Excellence, Air Canada and a BIWG Captain, shares that in 2026, innovation programs will shift from concept exploration to measurable, on-the-ground outcomes āĀ proving automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and end-to-end visibility in live operations while building the foundations to scale through the next 5-7 years. āOur priority isĀ to reduce mishandled baggage, improve turn reliability, and modernise ramp and baggage workflows by pairing data-first tooling with targeted robotics and autonomous vehicle deployments. Across baggage, 2026 is aboutĀ turning visionĀ into action: deploying new employee tools, accelerating bag tracking and maturing the digital ecosystem for theĀ customer and frontline employee. More and more Proof of Concepts will be deployed in our airports which will takeĀ us to the future of baggage at scale with modernised Baggage Handling Systems (BHS)Ā being the ābackboneā or our enabling infrastructure for the automation roadmap ahead. 2026 is the execution year: proving autonomous operations, expanding bag visibility/tracking, and modernising the digital + physical baggage ecosystem to scale automation through 2032.ā
Scott Goodwin, Assistant Vice President, Airport Operations, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Scott Goodwin, Assistant Vice President, Airport Operations, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and a BIWG Captain, shares that the baggage industry in 2026 is expected to place even greater emphasis on realātime tracking and enhanced functionality for dynamic baggage management. āBaggage Handling Systems (BHS) will continue to evolve beyond traditional conveyor-based platforms as airports adopt autonomous technologies, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), robotics, Individual Carrier Systems (ICS), and cross-belt sortation systems. Improved tracking will also support more efficient justāinātime bag delivery and sortation, helping the industry move away from āfirst-in, first-outā constraints that limit many current BHS operations. Growth in Early Baggage Storage (EBS) and Dynamic Baggage Storage systems will improve overall processing reliability. These solutions allow bags to be sequenced and released in a more controlled, organised manner rather than arriving intermixed, reducing the likelihood of human error associated with manual reading and sorting. Outside the core BHS, robotics and autonomous systems will play a larger role in supplementing service levels and increasing capacity. These technologies can process multiple tasks simultaneously, reducing delays and reliance on lengthy manual procedures at baggage claim. Realātime re-flight capabilities are also gaining traction as electronic bag tags enable dynamic rebooking or updates based on operational conditions, eliminating the limitations of static bag-tag data printed at checkāin. Overall, the baggage environment is shifting toward a more dynamic, responsive operational model āĀ moving away from todayās heavily preāplanned processes. Increasing system integrations will drive proactive communication, improve resource allocation, and enhance both efficiency and service levels. The future of baggage handling will continue to centre on realātime data, automated decisionāmaking, and flexible processes that support the demands of an increasingly dynamic aviation industry.ā
FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) members will convene for an unmissable in-person meeting hosted by Orlando International Airport on Monday 9 February 2026. The program will also feature startup pitches, tours, an evening networking event, and the 3rd Annual BIWG Golf Day.
Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines
Kevin Kleist, Head of Emerging Trends, Southwest Airlines and a BIWG Captain, shares that baggage handling is emerging as one of the most practical proving grounds for robotics in aviation. āUnlike many other parts of the operation, baggage environments are highly repetitive, physically demanding, and constrained by tight time windows. That combination makes them well suited for robotic assistance, but only if the technology can perform reliably under real operating conditions. The industry is past the point of asking whether robots can move bags or see them. The focus now is on understanding where robotics can meaningfully improve flow, safety, and consistency without disrupting established processes or creating new points of failure. What is changing in 2026 is the way robotics is being evaluated and applied. The influence coming out of CES 2026 is less about eye-catching machines and more about task level automation built for specific operational problems. In baggage handling, this shows up in areas such as robotic induction, automated container loading and unloading, autonomous carts and tugs, and vision-based exception handling. These systems are not being positioned as replacements for people, but as tools to reduce manual strain, stabilise throughput during peak periods, and improve recovery when things do not go as planned. The critical work ahead is operational learning. Live trials are needed to understand reliability over time, interaction with human teams, and performance at scale. For baggage operations, robotics in 2026 is less about transformation narratives and more about disciplined testing that builds confidence and sets the foundation for broader adoption.ā
Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich, Inc.
Samuel Ingalls, Principal, Barich, Inc. and a BIWG Captain, shares that it is exciting to see the uptake of Individual Carrier Systems (ICS) in North America.Ā āFor whatever reason, this move was rather slow to transpire, but is now gaining speed, with even smaller airports realising the many benefits of implementing these systems, some of which integrate directly into self-bag drop units. The Grand Rapids Airport is one great example of such an implementation, as they extend common use self-service into the assisted bag drop realm, with a directly integrated ICS tote in the self-drop unit.Ā The implementation seamlessly utilises common use kiosks (CUSS) and agent assist positions (CUPPS), with integrated Web Services messaging to facilitate the transactions.Ā This is a stellar example of an airport working with its stakeholder airlines to lean steadily forward into the future of baggage processing and customer experience.ā
Idar SĆørgjerd, Associate Director & Head of R&D, BNP Associates, and formerly Head of Baggage Handling, Avinor
Idar SĆørgjerd, recently joined BNP Associates as Associate Director & Head of R&D, having until recently been Head of Baggage Handling at Avinor. SĆørgjerd is also a BIWG Captain. āAvinor will continue the developments towards robot loading. The ongoing project with BEUMER and AAT is now closing up to installation onsite in the new BHS T1. First test loading with live bags is expected to be performed before the summer. Further to this, Avinor is continuing the implementation of their own digital orchestration tool, BLFlow, which is expected to be used by all handlers at the airport, both on the āoldā sortation system by Vanderlande, as well as the new system from BEUMER. With the installation of the robot, as well as the digital tools, Avinor is closing to an and of development for the departure process, excluding the transportation on airside. Further it is expected that the transfer as well as the arrival process will gain advantages from the new digital orchestration tool. The coming months after installation will be used for user adaptions, allowing the handlers, as users, to find their working ways and the best daily user patterns for the new equipment.ā
Allen Yuarata, Acting Director, Baggage Operations, Vancouver Airport Authority
Allen Yuarata, Acting Director, Baggage Operations, Vancouver Airport Authority, highlights that in 2026 we will see baggage operations being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies that prioritise efficiency, accuracy, and automation intelligence over traditional mechanical systems. āAt the forefront is computer vision or the use of camera analytics, which enables real-time analysis of baggage flows across the airport ecosystem. Advanced camera networks and deep learning models can now instantly identify bag tags, capture ābaggage biometricsā and other types of information that can detect improper handling or misrouted luggage and reduce safety risks. This capability enhances security and tracking while reducing reliance on physical scanning and manual intervention. With computer vision, baggage logistics becomes dynamic ā conveyors can automatically divert bags based on live visual classification, reducing bottlenecks and minimising errors. Beyond vision systems, AI and predictive analytics are transforming how baggage operations anticipate and respond to demand. Machine learning models ingest historical data, flight schedules, and real-time inputs to forecast peak volumes and optimise staffing ā enabling a more resilient service. This leads to smarter resource allocation, reduced processing times, and fewer delays. Combined with automated decision-making tools, staff can focus on active airport management rather than routine tasks, improving overall throughput. As airports move away from heavy mechanical tech and toward software-centric systems, the integration of computer vision with AI promises more transparent, efficient, and resilient baggage handling ā ultimately lowering costs and further improving passenger experience.ā
Per Engelbrechtsen, Business Development Director, BEUMER Group
Per Engelbrechtsen, Business Development Director, shares that BEUMER Group (a Strategic Partner of the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group) sees greater willingness from airports to pursue and participate in innovation projects together with the vendor community. āThis involvement spans across multiple disciplines such as further robotisation, process innovation and the use of artificial intelligence (AI). Robots have been here for years, but the past two years have seen significant advancements in gripper technology, vision systems, and AI capabilities. These developments enable more precise and efficient use of robots for loading ULDs and baggage carts. We anticipate this trend will continue not only through 2026 but well into the future. Another major trend of today is the shift towards āThe Baggage Factoryā. Airports of all sizes are now adopting new sortation processes, such as āBatch Buildā, to optimise not only the footprint of the system, but also to gain both operational and staff efficiencies. AI is ubiquitous and will continue to evolve. A particularly intriguing area is āDecision Scienceā, where AI can assist baggage professionals in navigating the vast amounts of collected information and data, supporting them in making better and faster decisions. At BEUMER Group we welcome this joint journey towards āThe autonomous BHSā.ā
Jen Zemba, Principal, Business Development, Introba
Jen Zemba, Principal, Business Development, Introba, highlights that U.S. airports are increasingly adopting advanced conveyance systems such as ICS and cross-belt, while expanding the baggage ecosystem to include technologies that improve efficiency, safety, and reliability. āData-driven operations āĀ enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) āĀ are becoming central to optimising system performance. Robotics and AGVs are emerging to address labour shortages and modernise baggage movements, and smart sensors are enabling predictive maintenance by identifying component issues before they lead to catastrophic failures. Airlines and airports that move now to explore emerging technologies will position themselves at the forefront of a futureāflexible infrastructure, while those who wait risk falling behind as the industry rapidly evolves.ā
Jasper Quak, Managing Director, BAGTAG
Jasper Quak, Managing Director, BAGTAG, highlights that in 2026 we will see an acceleration from digitising the baggage label to digitising the entire bag journey. āElectronic Bag Tags are moving beyond early adopters and into exponential growth, driven by improved passenger experience, operational reliability, and airline scalability. At the same time, the industry is introducing the concept of the connected bag: moving from a static tag to an intelligent, connected device that can support real-time updates, proactive exception handling and improved end-to-end visibility. This shift will be reinforced by the launch of next-generation EBT hardware, including third-generation solutions such as BAGTAG Pulse, enabling richer interactions and a more seamless digital baggage experience. In parallel, we expect increased adoption of baggage biometrics, enabling frictionless identity confirmation at key baggage touchpoints and reducing manual interventions. Another important development is the growth of intermodal baggage transfer concepts, where baggage can move more smoothly across airline and non-airline journeys, supported by better data orchestration. Underpinning all of this is a clear shift toward actionable visibility: not just tracking bags, but converting tracking data into operational outcomes through event-driven bag journeys, standardised data exchange, and faster exception resolution. Finally, sustainability will play a larger role ā with reusable digital identification reducing paper/plastic tag waste, cutting reprints, and lowering the COā impact associated with mishandling and recovery logistics.ā
FTE BIWG: Delivering tangible change through industry collaboration
The FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group (BIWG) brings together the most innovative and progressive baggage supply chain companies, airlines, and airports from across the industry to provide a unique platform for cooperation and industry advancement. It is the platform for developing new techniques, technologies, and business models to deliver tangible change in the baggage sector. Members regularly come together to learn from one another and collaborate on game-changing Proof of Concepts to reduce costs, improve passenger experience, and test innovations.
The BIWG enters 2026 with several Proof of Concepts already underway, with ongoing BOOST PoCs across multiple airports and new PoCs focused on bag classification and next-generation loading technologies also in development.
The Groupās work over the next year will continue to focus on areas such as baggage tracking and tagging; robotics and automation; AI and agentic AI; and the integration of new products and tools into daily airport operations. Confirmed 2026 in-person meetings include:
- 9 February 2026 āĀ Orlando (hosted by Greater Orlando Airport Authority)
- 16 March 2026 āĀ London (hosted by Heathrow Airport)
- 9 June 2026 ā Dublin (co-located with the new FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit as part of APEX FTE EMEA)
- 8 September 2026 āĀ Dallas (co-located with FTE Global)
- 17 November 2026 āĀ Singapore (co-located with APEX FTE EXPO Asia)
ā2026 will include five in-person meetings: Orlando in February hosted by MCO, a Heathrow-hosted meeting in London in March, Dublin in June, Dallas in September, and Singapore in November. These augment our regular schedule of virtual meetings,ā explains Darin Juby, Head of Transformation, Future Travel Experience. āProof of Concepts will come from both the established BOOST programme that continues on collaboratively embracing new technology such as robotics and automation, as well as potential new PoCs from our BIWGĀ members including airlines, airports and suppliers.ā
MCO-hosted BIWG meeting on 9 February 2026, plus networking evening, tours and 3rd Annual BIWG Golf Day
Following the success of this yearās FTE Communities Live Days event in Orlando, BIWG members will once again convene for an unmissable meeting hosted by Orlando International Airport on Monday 9 February 2026.
āWe have some startup pitches that are happening in the morning followed by the BIWGĀ meeting in the afternoon at Orlando International Airport,ā says Juby. āTours will be offered, as well as an evening networking event on the Monday evening.Ā Tuesday will include a networking golf event as we hold the 3rd Annual BIWG Golf Day. An additional tour of the CLX Engineering facility in Sanford, Florida, will be offered on the Wednesday morning, where we are going to see some innovation in baggage, as well as an autonomous boarding bridge.ā
Orlando International Airport will share its baggage vision of the future and discuss plans to replace aging systems, while maintaining growing operations, with a state-of-the-art system and processes envisioned to support an expanding and unique market.
āThe in-person meeting will bring together many of the industryās global leaders and innovators,ā says Scott Goodwin, Assistant Vice President, Airport Operations, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. āOrlando has a unique baggage market with leisure travellers presenting diverse baggage needs and behaviours. Learn about growing trends and solutions being looked at, as well as lessons learned from initiatives actively and previously implemented supporting baggage efficiencies and operations. The BIWG is a community of forward-thinkers committed to redefining baggage operations. In a rapidly evolving aviation landscape, no single organisation can innovate alone. The BIWG provides the platform to learn from each other and collectively drive meaningful change and results.ā
Heathrow-hosted meeting themed āRelentless Productivityā āĀ 16 March 2026
Heathrow will host an unmissable joint in-person meeting of two of FTEās innovation communities āĀ the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group and the FTE Digital, Innovation & Startup Hub āĀ on 16 March 2026.
āThe theme of the meeting will be āRelentless Productivityā,ā Juby explains. āThis ties into Heathrow having to embrace technology and innovation to be as efficient and consistent as possible due to handling a huge volume of aircraft, passengers and bags within a very limited footprint across all hours of the operational day.ā
Further details on activities around the meeting, including baggage innovation tours, will be announced soon.
FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit
In addition to the plethora of BIWG activities planned for 2026, the brand-new FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit takes place as part of APEX FTE EMEA, which is co-located with APEX FTE Ancillary & Retailing in Dublin on 9-11 June 2026. The FTE Smart Ramp & Baggage Innovation Summit creates a dedicated platform for sharing progress, accelerating innovation, and defining the future of ramp and baggage transformation together. It unites airlines, airports, ground handlers, manufacturers, and solution providers to collaborate on one shared goal: creating safer, smarter, and more efficient ramp & baggage operations through innovation, automation, and cross industry partnership. The Summit will feature a major segment on the pioneering BOOST programme,Ā which spun out of the BIWG and aims to eliminate physical strain and improve working conditions for baggage workers by rapidly adopting advanced technologies, with Proof of Concepts across Schiphol, Avinor, Brussels Airport, Heathrow and Incheon.
2026 and beyond: From experimentation to execution
As the insights shared here make clear, 2026 will be less about bold promises and more about disciplined execution. Across robotics, AI, computer vision and tracking, the baggage domain is moving decisively from experimentation to operational reality. What unites these trends is a shift towards software-led, data-driven decision-making that improves predictability, resilience and trust ā for both passengers and frontline teams. Importantly, innovation is no longer being pursued in isolation. Collaboration between airports, airlines and suppliers, enabled through platforms such as the FTE Baggage Innovation Working Group, is accelerating learning, de-risking deployment and turning Proof of Concepts into scalable solutions. As passenger expectations continue to rise and operational margins remain tight, baggage is emerging as one of the most tangible opportunities to deliver measurable gains in efficiency and experience. The organisations that succeed in 2026 and beyond will be those that focus not just on adopting new technologies, but on integrating them intelligently into daily operations, with people, processes and performance firmly at the centre.
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