Need Help?
The AHM is a comprehensive guide to standardize ground handling procedures and ensure safe, efficient, and consistent operations across airports worldwide. It provides detailed industry-approved policies and standards for ground handling activities, including passenger services, aircraft loading, load control, and cargo operations. By adhering to the AHM, airlines, ground handlers, and airports can improve operational efficiency, reduce risks, and enhance service quality
Need Help?
About AHM
If you are new to the AHM, all versions are updated annually, and are available in print and digital format. Digital format comes with automatic updates during the year and a search function that makes finding current information easier. Additionally, the digital format of AHM contains the toolbox and resources with forms, checklists and downloadable templates, as well as the complementary GOXML Toolkit.
The Airport Handling Manual (AHM) is a complementary manual to the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM). The IGOM is procedure driven, focusing on “how to do”. The AHM is policy driven and focuses on “what to do”.
You can benefit from Volume discounts when purchasing the AHM & IGOM Combos: 10% discount for 5-9 units, 20% for 10-24 units, 30% for 25-99 units and 40% for 100 units or more. Contact our sales team for volume orders.
Contact us if you're interested in an enterprise solution for accessing IATA Publications.
What's inside the AHM
- Chapter 1 – Passenger handling
- Chapter 2 – Baggage handling (now covered in the Baggage Reference Manual)
- Chapter 3 – Cargo/mail handling
- Chapter 4 – Aircraft handling and loading
- Chapter 5 – Load control
- Chapter 6 – Management and safety
- Chapter 7 – Aircraft movement control
- Chapter 8 – Ground handling agreements
- Chapter 9 – Airport handling ground support equipment specifications
- Chapter 10 – Environmental specifications for ground handling operations
- Chapter 11 – Ground operations training program
Still not sure if the AHM is for you? Download the full table of contents with over 15 sample pages.
Stay up-to-date
For a comprehensive summary of the changes in the 45th edition of the AHM, please refer to the following article. Below is a summary of changes, which include:
AHM115: New section on Contactless Travel
AHM116: New section on Digitalization of Admissibility
AHM119: New section on Passenger Travel Documents
AHM122: New section on Handling Unruly Passengers
AHM 310: Revision to align with the Preloading Advance Cargo Information Manual (PLACI)
AHM 322: Revision to update the types of shipments considered wet cargo.
AHM 330: Revision to incorporate the IATA label for Time and Temperature Sensitive Healthcare Products
AHM 332: Outlines a new policy for the handling of live animals, mandating compliance with IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
AHM 361: New section on Mail Safety Guidelines, emphasizing training and secure supply chain processes.
AHM 370: New section on Interactive Cargo, advocating for the use of IoT devices for supply chain visibility.
AHM 371: New section on Operational Guidance for the transport of engines, recommending safe practices for special load handling and build-up, particularly aircraft engines.
AHM 440: Revision to provide detailed guidance on potable water servicing.
AHM 561: Revision to outline a new approval process for Departure Control Systems (DCS)
AHM 601: Revision to adhere to ISAGO standards, ensuring efficient management practices.
AHM 616: Aligns with ISAGO guidelines, emphasizing human factors in ground operations.
AHM 617: The OHS policies now reflect ISAGO requirements, prioritizing safety, and well-being.
AHM 620: A comprehensive revision includes updated emergency response terminology and abbreviations.
AHM 801: Offers an introduction to the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA), including how to reference Annex A within Annex B.
AHM1005: Comprehensive revision on Environmental Management Systems (EMS).