Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,
It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Nairobi for the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference.
A warm thank you to our hosts, Kenya Airways, for their generous hospitality. And to H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya— he will join us tomorrow, his presence is a powerful reflection of Kenya’s commitment to aviation. That commitment is visible in the people and processes that keep our industry moving—especially in ground handling.
Ground handling is a massive, coordinated effort. Often behind the scenes, but never out of mind. Every day, handlers enable thousands of safe departures and arrivals, supporting the movement of millions of passengers.
And each year we gather as a community to align on the priorities that will make operations safer, more efficient and better for travelers.
Today’s operating environment is more complex than ever: with tighter turnaround times, many burdensome regulations, the urgent need to digitalize, the existential challenge to decarbonize and the uncompromising requirements of safety.
With this in mind, the focus for this year’s IGHC is on four top priorities:
- Embedding Safety in Every Action
- Global Standardization of Processes
- Enhancing Baggage Operations
- Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Way Forward
Let’s begin with safety.
1. Embedding Safety in Every Action
In 2024, for the first time, ground-related fatalities involving aircraft were included in our global safety taxonomy. This gives a much clearer and more comprehensive picture of safety risks in ground operations. And with that data we have a better capability to manage those risks using IATA’s Accident Data Exchange (ADX) as well as the Incident Data Exchange (IDX).
For example, ADX aircraft accident data analysed for the past 10 years reported 12 cases of ground equipment hitting aircraft and additional events due to misparked equipment, engine ingestions, fluid leaks, and more. The common causes? Distraction. Missed procedures. Equipment issues.
These findings led to key updates in the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), including:
- Clearer “no-touch” zones
- Mandatory brake checks and use of guide personnel
- Safer pushback and towing procedures
- New protocols for aircraft with inoperative APUs or hot brakes
We also enhanced fire safety guidance, chock placement rules, and proximity sensor requirements. These are all targeted actions that are based on insights from data. Implementing these measures will improve safety performance. And the more data that we collect and analyse from IDX and ADX, the more we can make our safe industry even safer.
Data is also scaling up the contribution of the De-Icing/Anti-Icing Quality Control Pool (DAQCP). With 161 airline members and more than 600 inspections annually, information from DAQCP is playing a critical role in managing winter weather risks and supporting safe, efficient operations year-round—even in the most challenging conditions.
Modernizing Equipment – Enhanced GSE Recognition
Alongside data, we are also using technology to improve safety. And a great example of that is the work being done with Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE). As you know, Enhanced GSE comes with proximity sensors that prevent the equipment from damaging aircraft. The more we use enhanced GSE, the fewer incidents of ground damage to aircraft. It’s that simple, and it’s a cornerstone of the IATA Ground Damage Reduction Strategy.
In 2024 we introduced the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program to incentivize the adoption of Enhanced GSE.
Since May 2024, we’ve received 98 fleet declarations, with 28 stations already recognized for maintaining high ratios of enhanced GSE. Operators like Menzies, Celebi, Goldair, Swissport, Qatar Aviation Services, and HACTL are leading the way.
From April 2025, GSE fleet declarations will be mandatory at all ISAGO stations. Adoption of enhanced GSE is not just a safety win—it’s a smarter way to manage risk.
This year, we’ll expand the program from current focus areas such as passenger stairs and belt loaders to include elevating equipment for Persons with Reduced Mobility, and we’ll introduce additional recognition measures for handlers making real strides in reducing ground damage.
Getting Aircraft Weight & Balance Right—Every Time
Another area where we are making progress is with improving the accuracy of weight and balance data. This is critical. Errors can affect take-off performance, fuel efficiency, and ultimately safety. The recently published IATA X565 automates how weight and balance data is exchanged—improving safety and reliability.
Already, Lufthansa Group, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, and Etihad are onboard with using the standard, supported by Departure Control System providers like Amadeus Altea and B. Reckencentra.
Following the release of our white paper calling on aircraft manufacturers to lead this change, Boeing is already using the X565 tool for the 737, and Airbus has started test data production for the A350, with more aircraft models to follow.
IATA is backing this shift with training, tools, and free online learning. Our goal: a fully digital, consistent approach to one of the most critical turnaround steps.
And, in a related development, IATA is finalizing the Electronic Load Instruction and Reconciliation (ELIR) standard—set for release by year-end. Early adopters are seeing 80% fewer loading errors and 30% fewer delays. This pairs with the upcoming release of the digital Notification to Captain (NOTOC), further supporting safer, faster operations.
2. Global Standardization of Processes
Now let’s look at the Global Standardization of Processes. As we all know, global standards are the foundation of safe, efficient operations. This includes ground operations for which the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the Airport Handling Manual (AHM) are the defining requirements —procedurally and contractually.
Supporting the adoption of IGOM and AHM is ISAGO—the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations. 2024 was a record year for ISAGO with 400 station accreditations — a significant increase from previous years. We’re on track for over 400 audits this year, supported by over 50 regulators and airports that use it to complement compliance and licencing frameworks.
ISAGO’s impact is clear:
- Over 170 airlines using audit reports
- 545 internal audits avoided
- 359 procurement decisions strengthened
- Audit time reduced at 350 stations
Together, these improvements saved USD 4.7 million for airlines and USD 4 million for ground service providers in 2024.
Looking ahead, ISAGO is getting even better. We’re launching an enhanced audit process in mid-2025 with single-auditor audits, remote documentation checks, more focus on implementation, new checklists mirroring AHM and IGOM, and reduced audit fees.
We’re not leaving preparation to chance. We’ve run over 20 familiarization webinars for Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs). And GHSPs are now fully onboarded onto IATA’s OneSource platform—offering transparent audit registry access.
Moreover, the new Operational Portal – formerly the IGOM portal - is now used by 221 airlines and 259 GHSPs to publish gap analyses and benchmark operational standards, reduce variations. In February, we expanded it to include training, organization, and safety—and added cargo handling for the first time.
The more stakeholders that use it, the more benefit the industry will get from these important investments. If you have not used these support tools, please do. And if you have and can see the value, please help us to spread the word so that more organizations join.
These efforts to harmonize standards and improve collaboration are all part of a broader push to strengthen the foundations of ground operations. And nowhere is that foundation more visible to the passenger than in baggage handling. That brings me to our next priority: enhancing baggage operations.
3. Enhancing Baggage Operations
Modern baggage operations are central to the passenger journey. That’s why we’ve launched a 10-year roadmap, built around three pillars:
- Information Exchange and Data Standardization – We’re replacing outdated messaging systems with modern, API-based messaging to improve data quality, reduce costs, boost security, and future-proof operations. We estimate that by switching from Teletype to Modern Baggage Messaging Standards, annual savings of USD 1 billion annually is possible.
- Tracking and Automation – We're driving adoption of technologies like electronic bag tags, RFID, GPS, and Bluetooth Low Energy the technologies that enable end-to-end baggage tracking and paperless handling. Our work on R753 implementation is central here. In 2024, we helped 120 airlines build implementation plans for baggage tracking. By end-2025, we aim for 80% of airlines to have plans in place, and 30% of airlines network to be using R753 actively. Our five-year goal: 100% end-to-end baggage tracking among member airlines —and the retirement of paper tags.
- Claims, Fraud Prevention & Passenger Experience – We’re targeting inefficiencies in the claims process and helping prevent fraud through the use of AI, predictive analytics, and camera-based technologies and robots. At the same time, we’re focused on streamlining the journey for passengers and airlines alike. To support, we released two white papers: one on auto-reflighting—automating rerouting after mishandling—and another on LPN standardization. And when new U.S. regulations emerged around refunds for delayed baggage and wheelchair mishandling, we quickly helped airlines comply.
We’ve also finalized updates to key baggage standards including the IATA Baggage ID Chart, which has been updated for the first time in two decades and is now in the final stage of approval.
Together, these steps will deliver smarter, more seamless baggage journeys.
4. Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Way Forward
The fourth priority that I would like to address is Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Way Forward.
Sustainability
The biggest gains in decarbonizing aviation will be made in how we power our aircraft—particularly with SAF. But that does not excuse gains that could be made on the ground. Electrifying GSE can cut emissions by between 35 - 52% per turnaround. To support the industry’s transition to electric GSE, IATA has released guidance covering everything from operational planning and battery strategies to infrastructure readiness and safety protocols. It also includes economic modelling tools to support smart investment decisions.
Our IEnvA program - Environmental Assessment program - can help put this essential effort into the context of a company’s overall approach to sustainability. IEnvA is a voluntary program, built on internationally recognized environmental standards. But more than a certification, it’s a structured, credible platform that can help airlines, airports and ground handlers take a comprehensive approach to improving their environmental performance.
Inclusivity
Now let’s talk about inclusivity.
The reality is complex:
- There are over 400 types of mobility aids—many powered by lithium batteries
- Airlines must accept them, often with no advance notice.
- Guidance is often incomplete or missing
We’re working with regulators and manufacturers to close these gaps. Because inclusive travel isn’t optional—it’s essential.
And just as we’re advancing accessibility, we’re also modernizing another core part of the passenger journey: baggage.
Conclusion
Ground handling is more than a support function. It is strategic infrastructure. It ensures safety. It drives efficiency. It shapes the passenger journey.
As our industry evolves, the work we do—from Nairobi to New York, Doha to Delhi—ensures ground operations evolve with it.
Safety, standardization, and sustainability are not buzzwords. They are priorities. They are actions. And they are outcomes that depend on leadership at every level of our organizations.
So as we continue this week’s conversations, I encourage each of you to think practically. Ask how your operation aligns with these global priorities. Share what’s working. And challenge what’s not.
The next chapter of ground handling isn’t being written in a boardroom. It’s being written on the ramp, by people who care deeply about getting things right.
Thank you—and I look forward to the work we’ll continue to do together.