Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) outlined four essential priorities aimed at improving global ground handling operations during the 2024 IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), hosted by Kenya Airways in Nairobi. This significant industry event brought together aviation experts, airlines, regulatory bodies, and ground handling professionals to address critical issues influencing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience in ground operations.
Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, emphasized the growing complexity of aviation operations, underscoring the urgent need for collective action within the industry. “Ground handling ensures safety, drives operational efficiency, and greatly influences the passenger journey,” Mejstrikova stated. “With increased operational demands, tighter turnaround times, heightened regulatory oversight, and ambitious decarbonization goals, we must embed safety in every action, accelerate global standardization, and foster sustainable and inclusive growth.”
Priority 1: Embedding Safety in Every Action
Safety remains the aviation industry’s paramount priority, and IATA highlighted several strategic initiatives for enhancing safety in ground handling:
Enhanced Safety Data Utilization
IATA introduced ground-related fatalities involving aircraft into its global safety taxonomy, creating more transparent, data-driven safety insights. Leveraging data from the Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Accident Data Exchange (ADX), IATA refined safety protocols in its Ground Operations Manual (IGOM). Updates included improved no-touch zones, mandatory brake checks, safer pushback protocols, and enhanced procedures for aircraft with inoperative auxiliary power units (APUs) or overheated brakes.
Mejstrikova stressed the collective responsibility: “Sharing comprehensive safety data significantly reduces operational risks. We strongly encourage broader industry participation in safety data exchange initiatives.”
Transitioning to Enhanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE)
IATA’s Enhanced GSE Recognition Program, launched in 2024, promotes the use of advanced equipment equipped with proximity sensors to minimize ramp incidents. As of the conference, 98 ground handling fleets were registered, and 28 airport stations received recognition. Starting April 2025, declarations of enhanced GSE use will become mandatory for ISAGO-accredited locations.
“Enhanced GSE directly reduces ground damage, enhancing overall operational safety. This technology represents a vital advancement toward safer ground handling,” said Mejstrikova.
Adopting X565 Standard for Weight and Balance Accuracy
Accurate aircraft weight and balance calculations are crucial for safe and efficient operations. IATA’s newly established X565 standard automates data exchange, improving reliability. Early adopters, such as Lufthansa Group and Flydubai, supported by Airbus and Boeing, have already demonstrated reduced turnaround delays and errors.
“We encourage widespread adoption of these digital standards. Digitizing weight and balance processes significantly enhances operational safety and efficiency,” Mejstrikova remarked.
Priority 2: Driving Global Standardization
Global standards are vital for seamless, safe, and efficient aviation operations. IATA continues to enhance its standardized tools, such as the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
ISAGO Achievements and Future Improvements
In 2024, ISAGO achieved a record 400 accredited stations. Over 170 airlines utilized ISAGO audit reports, and more than 50 regulatory bodies and airports integrated ISAGO into oversight procedures. This significantly streamlined internal auditing and procurement processes, delivering an estimated $8.7 million in savings across the industry. An enhanced ISAGO model launching mid-2025 will include single-auditor audits, remote documentation verification, updated safety checklists, and reduced audit fees.
Expanded IGOM Utilization via OPS Portal
The Operational Portal (OPS Portal), formerly the IGOM portal, now supports 221 airlines and 259 ground handlers, providing essential tools for gap analysis, benchmarking, training, safety enhancements, and cargo handling.
“Broader participation and use of IGOM and ISAGO will exponentially increase operational safety, efficiency, and economic benefits industry-wide,” Mejstrikova explained.
Priority 3: Enhancing Baggage Operations
Modernizing baggage operations remains essential to improving passenger satisfaction and operational efficiency. IATA’s 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap prioritizes digitalization, end-to-end tracking, and automation. Initiatives include implementing Resolution 753, advanced fraud prevention measures, and standard enhancements.
“Streamlined baggage handling systems significantly improve passenger experience and operational reliability,” Mejstrikova stated, highlighting the roadmap’s role in modernizing baggage services.
Priority 4: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
Environmental sustainability and inclusivity are now central to aviation’s future strategy. IATA’s specific measures to support these objectives include:
Electrifying Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
Electrification of GSE significantly reduces emissions, cutting pollution by up to 48% per aircraft turnaround. IATA released detailed guidelines covering infrastructure readiness, operational planning, battery management, and safety considerations, supplemented by economic modeling tools to facilitate strategic investments.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusion
IATA is collaborating with manufacturers and regulatory authorities to improve procedures for handling mobility aids. With over 400 different types of mobility equipment—many powered by lithium batteries—improved guidelines ensure safer handling and enhance accessibility throughout the travel experience.
Further Modernization of Baggage Operations
Complementing the broader sustainability and inclusivity objectives, modernized baggage operations support digital and automated solutions, ensuring operational efficiency and better service standards for all passengers.
Conclusion: A Collaborative Path Forward
The 2024 IGHC in Nairobi underscored aviation’s collective commitment to embedding safety, driving standardization, modernizing baggage operations, and embracing sustainability. IATA called for sustained collaboration among industry stakeholders to realize these shared goals effectively. Mejstrikova concluded, “Unified, collaborative actions based on globally recognized standards will pave the way toward a safer, more efficient, sustainable, and inclusive aviation industry.”
