The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a new digital platform designed to support the aviation industry’s transition from legacy baggage messaging systems to a more modern data exchange standard.
Announced in Cairo, the new Baggage Community System (BCS) will allow airlines, airports, ground handlers and technology providers to exchange baggage information using both the existing Type B messaging system and the newer Modern Baggage Messaging standard, known as BIX.
The platform has been developed to help organisations modernise at different speeds while maintaining communication across baggage handling operations.
Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, said:Improving baggage operations depends on timely, accurate, and secure information exchange. We cannot do that with legacy Type B messages on teletype networks. And we cannot wait for everyone to convert to modern BIX capabilities. That is where BCS plays an essential role. By handling both BIX and legacy Type B systems, it enables early adopters to gain the benefits of their investments without losing connectivity with those still operating legacy systems.
Older Type B messages, which operate on teletype networks, limit data sharing and increase operational costs. However, the transition to BIX would take time across the sector. The BCS platform is intended to bridge that gap by supporting both formats during the transition period.
Under the BIX standard, baggage data can be exchanged in real time and in a more structured format. Messages can track baggage through several stages of a journey, including check-in, screening, loading, transfer and arrival.
This should enable passengers to benefit from more accurate baggage tracking, earlier identification of delays or routing problems and quicker responses when issues occur.
BCS is currently operating in a live testing environment where airlines, airports and other partners can assess integrations and messaging workflows before the platform enters full operation.
The system is expected to go live in the third quarter of 2026.
Airlines already participating in the programme include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Air Canada, Finnair and Air New Zealand.
Airports involved in testing include Berlin Brandenburg Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport and Red Sea International Airport.
Organisations that complete the testing and integration process will be eligible for an IATA “BIX Ready” designation intended to support cooperation between industry partners.
IATA said the project forms part of wider efforts to modernise aviation messaging systems, reduce costs and support greater automation in baggage operations.
