RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has brought many benefits beyond bar code technology. All around the world, across multiple industries including the airline industry, the RFID automatic identification technology is now being accepted and used. The radio waves go through, in, around, behind, and under objects to reach a tag in seconds and gather data instantaneously. Here are some of the ways the RFID technology is being used in the airline industry.
For baggage handling
It is important to improve baggage handling operations in the aviation industry to meet the evolving needs of passengers for real-time baggage information and cope with the doubling in passenger demand over time. Through RFID for baggage tracking, airlines can now efficiently track the bag all through the airport processes using the data provided. This is more effective than the bar code technology that is mostly in use. Thanks to the unique identifier provided by RFID, all baggage can be easily identified which meets passenger expectations. Many bags can be identified at once because RFID doesn’t require a line of sight to the bag. Passive Class 1 Gen 2 Ultra High Frequency (UHF) is the most common type of RFID used in the aviation industry. The UHF emits a very low energy signal and only sends information when it is in the range of a reader.
For passenger ticketing
With RFID the airline can easily monitor and count passengers boarding various flights. Using an RFID reader, the passenger’s information is programmed into the server’s database and their unique ID information is written to a paper RFID tag with adhesive. Therefore, the RFID tag is affixed to the ticket when it is issued. Through the boarding gate, there is an RFID reader which is WiFi-enabled. Upon boarding, the passenger passes through the gate and the reader reads the tag, then passes the ID and timestamp the information to the central server.
For catering
On an industrial basis, airline catering is quite a competitive business where food is processed and handled. With RFID systems, processes are optimized starting as early as the kitchen. RFID tags enable correlation between the passengers and their meals as they allow the distribution of meals on a precisely planned timeline. Specific meal orders are associated with a cabin section and seat as the automated processes in the kitchen are extended into the cabin. Through the RFID, customers in the business and first-class get to select new meals. The RFID tags are attached to all kinds of trays and catering containers, therefore, they must be available in numerous housing styles and shapes. Also, the data on the RFID tags must be accessible during the heating process inside an induction oven.
For security process
RFID personnel tracking and access control can help to assure the security of restricted areas in airports such as employee lounges, flight lines, customs, and baggage handling areas. The systems can be used to track passengers and employees in real-time.
For employee badges
RFID tags on employee badges can assure that only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas. Through the RFID-enabled employee badges, the airline managers automatically keep track of employees’ attendance.
Conclusion
RFID in airline operations is also used for ground service equipment and cargo handling as the tags are quick and easy to identify with no human mistakes to invalidate the data.
Learn more about the RFID label, RFID cards, and RFID tickets that are used in the above applications.