IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program

The IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program is an industry initiative aimed at validating ground support equipment (GSE) fleets to ensure they meet specific criteria for reducing ground damage. The program promotes the use of Enhanced GSE, which are equipped with anti-collision systems.

The program was developed in response to the increasing trend of aircraft ground damage, which poses safety risks and financial burdens on airlines. Ground support equipment operations are a significant cause of such damage.

The program aims to accelerate the transition to Enhanced GSE, which can significantly reduce the expected costs of ground damage. Estimates suggest that transitioning 75% of the global fleet to Enhanced GSE could reduce ground damage costs by 42%.

Benefits include improved safety performance for Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSP), reduced risk of ground damage, validation of GSE fleets to industry standards, and recognition of achievement with a certificate and a recognition stamp.

An ISAGO GHSP does not need to apply for this program separately. It is included in the ISAGO assessment from 2025 for all ISAGO station audits with ramp operations in scope. Non-ISAGO GHSPs can request an assessment of their GSE fleet by contacting IATA at groundops@iata.org. 

The application process for the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program involves several steps:

1. Initial Contact (applies to non-ISAGO GHSPs only): Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs) interested in the program need to contact IATA to request an assessment of their GSE fleet. This can be done by emailing groundops@iata.org.
2. Assessment Preparation: IATA will provide details on the criteria and requirements for the assessment. GHSPs will need to prepare their GSE fleet for evaluation, ensuring that their equipment meets the necessary standards for Enhanced GSE.
3. Fleet Assessment: IATA conducts an assessment of the GHSP's GSE fleet at a specific station. This assessment includes evaluating the equipment to ensure it is equipped with anti-collision systems and meets other safety and operational criteria.
4. Validation and Recognition: Upon successful validation, the GHSP receives a certificate and a recognition stamp. This recognition is valid for 24 months and signifies that the GHSP's GSE fleet meets the industry standards for Enhanced GSE.
5. Ongoing Compliance: GHSPs must maintain their equipment to continue meeting the program's standards. After 24 months, they can apply for re-assessment to renew their recognition.

Any Ground Handling Service Provider (GHSP) providing services on the ramp is eligible to participate in this program.

The recognition is valid for 24 months from the date of validation.

The key types of GSE that cause ground damage include passenger stairs, ULD-loaders, and belt-loaders, with belt-loaders causing the most severe damage.