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)