Communication Solutions

As part of a joint project between BAA and Emirates Airlines, the world’s busiest international airport is evaluating RFID technology to improve baggage tracking, using Motorola (News - Alert), Inc. radio frequency identification (RFID) readers. RFID readers will be deployed by BAA, owner and operator of Heathrow Airport, and Emirates Airlines at key points along the journey of luggage belonging to passengers travelling the Emirates Airlines route from Heathrow to Dubai – from check-in desk to carousel.

 

The relationship between Motorola and BAA started when BAA deployed its Symbol-branded bar code scanners throughout Heathrow, in established baggage-reconciliation applications. At the part of transport where a clear ‘line of sight’ to a bar code is not possible, the addition of XR480 RFID readers will give BAA more depth of functionality, as it will allow the company to track baggage during parts. Now, BAA can monitor, sort and locate luggage at every stage of its journey. Also, the EPC Gen2-enabled RFID bag tags will provide greater functionality in their application as they allow more data than standard barcode tags.

 

Motorola XR480 Fixed RFID readers have been installed in Heathrow Terminal 3 to read tags on luggage entering and leaving the airport, as part of the project. For those vendors who have been incorporated into the system outside of the UK, trial will be an important demonstration of the interoperability of diverse RFID solutions because it shows how the Motorola RFID solution integrates with a variety of components.

 

David Picton, head of Motorola’s EMEA Industry Solutions Group, said in a company press release, “Motorola’s RFID solutions have already proven their ability to support IATA’s ”Simplifying the Business” initiative for baggage tracking. Motorola’s RFID solution is in operational use at Hong Kong International Airport and McCarran Airport in Las Vegas. By using RFID at both Heathrow and Dubai airports, Emirates Airlines will showcase the global interoperability of RFID-based solutions while obtaining the full benefit of luggage visibility from passenger drop off through passenger pick up.”