Airport Handling Manual (AHM)

Order the AHM online

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. Plus, it's cheaper. Additionally, the digital format of AHM contains the toolbox and resources with forms, checklists and downloadable templates, as well as the complementary GOXML Toolkit.

Note: 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”. 

Industry stakeholders expressed the need for a reliable, stable, and globally accepted publication, updated with considerations for the peak summer operational season to allow sufficient implementation time. As a result, the IGOM Edition 13 (issued January 2024) is effective from April 2024 to December 2025. The IGOM Edition 14 will be released mid-2025 and will be effective from January 2026 to December 2026.

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

The AHM includes the only industry-recognized contract template, the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) and the suggested template for Service Level Agreement (SLA).

• Chapter 1 – Passenger handling
• Chapter 2 – Baggage handling
• 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

Stay up-to-date

For a comprehensive summary of the changes in the 45^th 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 Digitalisation 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).