Air travel continues to be one of the safest modes of transportation, supported by the coordinated efforts of airlines, airports, ground service providers, and regulatory authorities. Despite this strong safety record, recent incidents and global uncertainties underscore the importance of maintaining robust emergency preparedness across the aviation sector.
Recognizing this need, the Emergency Response Best Practices Handbook (ERP) provides guidance to help airlines and ground-handling partners develop and implement effective crisis response procedures. The latest revision of the ERP handbook introduces a new section on comprehensive Family Assistance Plans. This section offers detailed, step-by-step instructions for airline managers responsible for building a Family Assistance Plan from the ground up or updating an existing one. It incorporates operational best practices, legal and regulatory compliance, and human-centered support strategies aligned with international standards.
The handbook serves as a practical framework for responding to a wide range of aviation emergencies and reflects the collective expertise of IATA and industry professionals involved in its development and review.
What's inside the ERP Handbook?
Chapter 1 – Organization and Management – Emergency Response Structure of an Air Carrier
Chapter 2 – Corporate Emergency Response Manual
Chapter 3 – Command and Control
Chapter 4 – Telephone Enquiry Centers
Chapter 5 – Humanitarian Response
Chapter 6 – Go Teams
Chapter 7 – Crisis Communications
Chapter 8 – Emergency Response Drills and Exercises
Chapter 9 – Mutual Assistance Agreements
Chapter 10 – Family Assistance Plans (FAP)