In this special on-location episode of The Bagfather, Marlon and Jen take you inside the iconic Willis Tower at United Airlines’ Global Headquarters. Joined by Kaveh Dabiran, Managing Director of Planning and Development for Corporate Real Estate, they explore how United is leading the way in aviation innovation — from reimagining airport infrastructure and baggage systems to preparing for electric aircraft and the potential return of supersonic travel.

Discover how flexibility, technology, and forward-thinking design are shaping the passenger experience of tomorrow, and why baggage remains at the heart of it all. Buckle up for a fascinating journey into the future of flight, both on the ground and in the skies.

In this special on-location episode of&nbsp;The Bagfather, Marlon and Jen take you inside the iconic Willis Tower at United Airlines&rsquo; Global Headquarters. Joined by Kaveh Dabiran, Managing Director of Planning and Development for Corporate Real Estate, they explore how United is leading the way in aviation innovation &mdash; from reimagining airport infrastructure and baggage systems to preparing for electric aircraft and the potential return of supersonic travel.
Discover how flexibility, technology, and forward-thinking design are shaping the passenger experience of tomorrow, and why baggage remains at the heart of it all. Buckle up for a fascinating journey into the future of flight, both on the ground and in the skies.

Your all-access pass to the world of baggage, aviation, and innovation.

Step into the fascinating world of baggage and aviation with The Bagfather. This exciting podcast delves into the untold stories, innovative breakthroughs, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep the global travel industry moving.

Hosted by Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba, both seasoned professionals with years of experience in the skies and on the ground, The Bagfather uncovers the challenges, triumphs, and transformations shaping how people and their belongings travel across the globe. From industry leaders revolutionising baggage handling to captivating tales from the tarmac, this is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts, tech lovers, and anyone curious about the hidden logistics of travel.

Because in this industry, every bag tells its own story.  

The Bagfather is a Fresh Air Production for Baggage Media. The producer is Julian Lorkin and the executive producer is Annie Day with editorial support from Caroline Blacklock-Vandy.

Your all-access pass to the world of baggage, aviation, and innovation.
Step into the fascinating world of baggage and aviation with&nbsp;The Bagfather. This exciting podcast delves into the untold stories, innovative breakthroughs, and behind-the-scenes operations that keep the global travel industry moving.
Hosted by Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba, both seasoned professionals with years of experience in the skies and on the ground,&nbsp;The Bagfather&nbsp;uncovers the challenges, triumphs, and transformations shaping how people and their belongings travel across the globe. From industry leaders revolutionising baggage handling to captivating tales from the tarmac, this is a must-listen for aviation enthusiasts, tech lovers, and anyone curious about the hidden logistics of travel.
Because in this industry, every bag tells its own story.&nbsp; 
The Bagfather is a Fresh Air Production for Baggage Media. The producer is Julian Lorkin and the executive producer is Annie Day with editorial support from Caroline Blacklock-Vandy.

The Bagfather

Inside United Airlines: Innovation, Infrastructure and the Future of Baggage

Rethinking Airport Baggage Systems: Design, Operations & the Future of Automation

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Ryan E. Gales and Azmat Aulakh from Jenkins/Gales & Martinez, Inc. (JGM) to explore the complexities of airport baggage handling system design and the evolving demands of modern airport operations.

The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of designing and operating baggage systems, from working within tight physical constraints to integrating new technologies with legacy infrastructure. Drawing on their experience across major airport projects, the team shares how JMC evolved from architectural design into a leader in baggage operations and long-term system maintenance, bringing a more holistic, end-to-end perspective to the industry.

This episode also covers:
• Why baggage systems are often introduced too late in terminal design
• The importance of early collaboration; architects, engineers, operations teams
• Reliable performance and high passenger expectations in intense settings

• Designing systems adaptable to future technologies and operational changes
• The role of automation and AI in optimising routing and maintenance
• Innovations in tracking, including RFID and IoT-enabled visibility 

• Sustainability challenges and energy-efficient systems in reducing environmental impact

Looking ahead, the discussion explores what the future of baggage could look like, from automated delivery and expanded curbside check-in to smarter, more connected systems that reduce friction across the passenger journey.

The four highlight the critical role baggage plays in the overall airport experience and why better design, stronger collaboration, and smarter technology are key to building more efficient, resilient, and passenger-focused operations. As you listen, consider: how can better baggage system design transform the entire airport journey, from check-in to carousel?

 

Follow & Catch Up With Us

Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod

 

Follow and come along for the journey.

Ryan E. Gales

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangales/

CEO/Project Manager at JGM

Azmat Aulakh

https://www.linkedin.com/in/azmataulakh/

NYNJ Lead at JGM

Rethinking Airport Baggage Systems: Design, Operations &amp; the Future of Automation
In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Ryan E. Gales and Azmat Aulakh from Jenkins/Gales &amp; Martinez, Inc. (JGM) to explore the complexities of airport baggage handling system design and the evolving demands of modern airport operations.
The conversation dives into the real-world challenges of designing and operating baggage systems, from working within tight physical constraints to integrating new technologies with legacy infrastructure. Drawing on their experience across major airport projects, the team shares how JMC evolved from architectural design into a leader in baggage operations and long-term system maintenance, bringing a more holistic, end-to-end perspective to the industry.
This episode also covers: &bull; Why baggage systems are often introduced too late in terminal design &bull; The importance of early collaboration; architects, engineers, operations teams &bull; Reliable performance and high passenger expectations in intense settings
&bull; Designing systems adaptable to future technologies and operational changes &bull; The role of automation and AI in optimising routing and maintenance &bull; Innovations in tracking, including RFID and IoT-enabled visibility&nbsp;
&bull; Sustainability challenges and energy-efficient systems in reducing environmental impact
Looking ahead, the discussion explores what the future of baggage could look like, from automated delivery and expanded curbside check-in to smarter, more connected systems that reduce friction across the passenger journey.
The four highlight the critical role baggage plays in the overall airport experience and why better design, stronger collaboration, and smarter technology are key to building more efficient, resilient, and passenger-focused operations. As you listen, consider: how can better baggage system design transform the entire airport journey, from check-in to carousel?
&nbsp;
Follow &amp; Catch Up With Us
Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn&rsquo;t make it into the mic.
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/">https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/</a>
YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod">https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and come along for the journey.
Ryan E. Gales
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangales/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangales/</a>
CEO/Project Manager at JGM
Azmat Aulakh
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/azmataulakh/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/azmataulakh/</a>
NYNJ Lead at JGM

Ryan E. Gales/Azmat Aulakh: Designing Airport Baggage Systems | Beyond Check-In

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Anja Schumacher, Head of Baggage Product at Lufthansa, and Juergen Lehmann, Senior Manager of Baggage Operations. Together, they explore Lufthansa’s ongoing journey to reimagine baggage handling through innovation, customer insight, and operational resilience.

Lufthansa's customer-centric baggage services, driven by passenger and employee feedback, led to improvements like streamlined check-in. Reflecting on the 2022 baggage crisis, the guests explain how unprecedented post-pandemic demand strained operations. Lufthansa responded by rapidly adjusting processes, increasing resources, and using digital tools, which accelerated innovation and fostered a culture of agility in baggage handling.

The episode also explores:
How customer feedback shapes baggage innovation at Lufthansa
Key lessons learned from the 2022 baggage disruption crisis
Building operational resilience in a fast-changing travel environment
The role of digital tools in improving communication and transparency
Emerging technologies transforming baggage handling systems
Automation and off-site baggage drop solutions to improve efficiency
Sustainability efforts to reduce lost luggage and environmental impact
How agility and adaptability have become core to post-pandemic operations

Throughout the episode, a consistent theme emerges: the importance of collaboration between frontline staff, operations teams, and product leaders in shaping meaningful innovation. By the end, listeners gain a clear view of how Lufthansa is combining technology, teamwork, and passenger insight to build a more reliable and seamless baggage experience worldwide.

 

Follow & Catch Up With Us

Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn’t make it into the mic.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod

 

Follow and come along for the journey.

Anja Schuhmacher

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-schuhmacher-329ab78/

Head of Baggage Product at Lufthansa

 

Juergen Lehmann

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%BCrgen-lehmann-41b07a105/

Senior Manager of Baggage Operations

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba sit down with Anja Schumacher, Head of Baggage Product at Lufthansa, and Juergen Lehmann, Senior Manager of Baggage Operations. Together, they explore Lufthansa&rsquo;s ongoing journey to reimagine baggage handling through innovation, customer insight, and operational resilience.
Lufthansa's customer-centric baggage services, driven by passenger and employee feedback, led to improvements like streamlined check-in. Reflecting on the 2022 baggage crisis, the guests explain how unprecedented post-pandemic demand strained operations. Lufthansa responded by rapidly adjusting processes, increasing resources, and using digital tools, which accelerated innovation and fostered a culture of agility in baggage handling.
The episode also explores:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How customer feedback shapes baggage innovation at Lufthansa</li>
<li aria-level="1">Key lessons learned from the 2022 baggage disruption crisis</li>
<li aria-level="1">Building operational resilience in a fast-changing travel environment</li>
<li aria-level="1">The role of digital tools in improving communication and transparency</li>
<li aria-level="1">Emerging technologies transforming baggage handling systems</li>
<li aria-level="1">Automation and off-site baggage drop solutions to improve efficiency</li>
<li aria-level="1">Sustainability efforts to reduce lost luggage and environmental impact</li>
<li aria-level="1">How agility and adaptability have become core to post-pandemic operations</li>
</ul>
Throughout the episode, a consistent theme emerges: the importance of collaboration between frontline staff, operations teams, and product leaders in shaping meaningful innovation. By the end, listeners gain a clear view of how Lufthansa is combining technology, teamwork, and passenger insight to build a more reliable and seamless baggage experience worldwide.
&nbsp;
Follow &amp; Catch Up With Us
Want more from The BagFather? Tap in for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes moments, and everything that doesn&rsquo;t make it into the mic.
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/">https://www.instagram.com/thebagfatherpod/</a>
YouTube:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod">https://www.youtube.com/@TheBagfatherPod</a>
&nbsp;
Follow and come along for the journey.
Anja Schuhmacher
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-schuhmacher-329ab78/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-schuhmacher-329ab78/</a>
Head of Baggage Product at Lufthansa
&nbsp;
Juergen Lehmann
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%BCrgen-lehmann-41b07a105/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%BCrgen-lehmann-41b07a105/</a>
Senior Manager of Baggage Operations

Anja Schuhmacher/Juergen Lehmann: How Lufthansa Uses Technology to Win Passenger Trust

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Ina Eldøy, founder of Norway’s BagID, a company reshaping the baggage handling experience through smart, reusable electronic bag tags. 

The conversation explores how BagID is challenging the status quo of traditional baggage handling by introducing digital solutions that improve tracking accuracy, streamline check-in processes, and reduce reliance on disposable paper tags. Drawing on her deep aviation background, Ina shares the story behind BagID’s founding, the operational gaps she set out to solve, and how the company has evolved into a technology disruptor within the airline industry.

This episode also covers:
• Challenges of lost luggage, limited tracking, and inefficient baggage workflows
• How reusable electronic bag tags support sustainability goals by cutting paper waste and promoting eco-conscious travel
• The growing shift toward software-driven infrastructure across airlines/airports
• Building strategic partnerships with airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies to enable large-scale adoption
• Staying ahead of rapid technological change while meeting evolving passenger expectations
• The importance of diversity in aviation and technology, and empowering more women and underrepresented groups to lead innovation

The episode highlights how collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking technology are transforming one of travel’s most overlooked touchpoints: the checked bag. As you listen, consider: How can smarter baggage solutions redefine the passenger journey from curb to carousel?

In this episode of The BagFather, hosts Marlon van der Meer and Jen Zemba welcome Ina Eld&oslash;y, founder of Norway&rsquo;s BagID, a company reshaping the baggage handling experience through smart, reusable electronic bag tags.&nbsp;
The conversation explores how BagID is challenging the status quo of traditional baggage handling by introducing digital solutions that improve tracking accuracy, streamline check-in processes, and reduce reliance on disposable paper tags. Drawing on her deep aviation background, Ina shares the story behind BagID&rsquo;s founding, the operational gaps she set out to solve, and how the company has evolved into a technology disruptor within the airline industry.
This episode also covers: &bull; Challenges of lost luggage, limited tracking, and inefficient baggage workflows &bull; How reusable electronic bag tags support sustainability goals by cutting paper waste and promoting eco-conscious travel &bull; The growing shift toward software-driven infrastructure across airlines/airports &bull; Building strategic partnerships with airlines, airports, and regulatory bodies to enable large-scale adoption &bull; Staying ahead of rapid technological change while meeting evolving passenger expectations &bull; The importance of diversity in aviation and technology, and empowering more women and underrepresented groups to lead innovation
The episode highlights how collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking technology are transforming one of travel&rsquo;s most overlooked touchpoints: the checked bag. As you listen, consider: How can smarter baggage solutions redefine the passenger journey from curb to carousel?

Inside United Airlines: Innovation, Infrastructure and the Future of Baggage

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