Ground Handling

Safety in the Air Starts on the Ground

Ground Handling covers such a wide spectrum of airline operations and has such a significant  potential for savings, in terms of reduced costs for injuries and ground damages, that it deserves the same level of attention as flight operations.

IATA strives to elevate the status of ground operations and lead the industry towards improving safety and operational efficiency in ground operations by setting the standards and finding global solutions for ground operations challenges.

Working with Stakeholders

Conservative estimates indicate that airlines are performing less than 50% of the ground handling  that currently takes place at the world’s airports – and this outsourcing trend is increasing. 

IATA has taken the lead in ensuring that its members develop and maintain good working relationships with all key stakeholders, including ground handlers, airports, service providers, aircraft manufacturers, standardization bodies and regulators to achieve reduction of personnel injuries and damages on the ground.

The IATA Ground Handling Council (IGHC) members provide key input to the ground operations industry agenda, from which the standards on how to conduct ground handling activities at airports, are developed.

Setting the Standards: Improving Safety and Efficiency

IATA actively drives the development of ground handling operations standards as well as promoting global consistency and harmonization of standards. The Ground Handling Council (GHC)  work group is responsible for developing and maintaining standards and procedures as tools for ensuring safe, effective and quality ground handling services.

WHAT to do

The Airport Handling Manual (AHM) is the only industry-approved standard for safe and efficient airport operations. It is a proven source for the latest ground handling related polices and safety guidelines. It also includes the only industry-recognized contract template, the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA). 

HOW to do

The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) has been developed in response to industry demands for enhanced ground operational safety and damage reduction. IGOM is the core manual for all ground operations and provides standard procedures and instructions for the frontline personnel.