South African Airways (SAA) on Wednesday launched a project to fight baggage pilferage and theft at Johannesburg International airport.
From July 1, all baggage on SAA flights will be wrapped in plastic by an automatic machine, SAA’s chief risk officer, Vishnu Naicker, said.
”No airline has done away with baggage pilferage, but we will reduce and minimise it,” said Naicker.
He said the problem of baggage pilferage is not just a criminal issue, but also a personal one. ”It is an invasion of privacy to people who have had their baggage tampered with.”
Naicker said the system will offer enhanced protection to SAA customers as well as protect the reputation of the company.
The bags will be placed on to a conveyor belt and wrapped in plastic. They will then pass through a heating tunnel and cooling fans.
Passengers will have their passports scanned and their details printed on the bags to prevent loss.
The pilot project will be tried and tested at Johannesburg International airport for six months and, if successful, implemented at other airports around the country.
The project was welcomed by the Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA).
The head of the GTA, Cawe Mahlati, said the baggage-pilferage project is good for Gauteng and SA Tourism.
The service, a first in Africa, will be provided free of charge to SAA customers. — Sapa