How GSE best practices can elevate safety standards

IATA Ground Handling Conf-erence, which was held recently in Nairobi, drove global standardisation, built sustainable and inclusive future and enhanced baggage ops. Ground handling is an integral part of aviation and the responsibilities of agents or ground handlers becomes complicated.

-Dr. Shehara Fernando

According to the latest information shared by IATA, Data from IDX and ADX has driven

significant safety updates to the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), introducing clearer no-touch zones, mandatory brake checks, safer pushback procedures, and improved protocols for aircraft with inoperative Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or hot brakes.

These points were highlighted at IATA Ground Handling Conference, which was organised recently in Nairobi. Enhancements also include stricter fire safety measures, optimised chock placement and updated sensor requirements. The objective of the targeted, data-driven changes was to elevate safety standards across the global air cargo industry, but their count on widespread industry participation.

The international air cargo association continues to urge airlines and ground handlers to share safety event data to strengthen ground handling practices. A major advancement in ramp safety is the transition to Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (EGSE), featuring proximity sensors to prevent collisions.

To encourage adoption, IATA launched the Enhanced GSE Recognition Programme in 2024. Since its inception, as many as 98 ground handling fleets have been registered and 28 stations recognised. Beginning April 2025, declarations were to become mandatory at all IATA Safety Audit and Ground Operations-accredited locations, with expanded criteria to include mobility equipment.

Enhance TAT for speeding up safe ops

Monika Mejstrikova, Director, Ground Operations, IATA

Ground handling is must for aviation. It ensures safety, enables efficiency, and shapes passenger experience. As complexity of today’s operating environment increases, tighter TATs, regulatory pressure, and drive to decarbonise, the industry must embed safety in every action, accelerate global standardisation, and build a sustainable way forward. Digitalising weight and balance is the way to enhance turnaround safety and reliability.

Invest in automation to meet growing demands

Yousif Najim Al Khalidi, CEO, Orbit Logistics

Ground handling firms are embracing a technology-first mindset. The integration of autonomous vehicles is being piloted across ramp and baggage operations, improving safety and efficiency. AI and IoT are enabling predictive maintenance, real-time tracking, and optimised workforce deployment. Data-driven insights are core to daily decision-making. To meet rising cargo demand, especially from express carriers, we are investing in automation, digitised workflows and scalable staffing models.

Challenge is to stay parallel with trend

Thomas Schurmann, Head, Global Cargo ops Etihad Cargo

The volumes overall grew in comparison to the last year was a strong year in terms of volumes. Cargo ops is the main driver. One needs to make sure we and our service providers are aligned when it comes to volumes. This trend we have witnessed is you basically handle the same number of tonnes, but you see a much higher piece count, which brings challenges to one’s operation. And that is what we foresee continuing, and we need to stay up with the trend so we can deliver the service promise across our network.

Ground handlers need to invest in technology

Lemma Yadecha, Chief Commercial Officer Ethiopian Airlines

E-commerce facilities require a level of cargo handling. We work hard to update handling, particularly in automating how we do business. We are trying to benchmark our handling systems with technologies. We can say our ground and link services in Ethiopia are advanced and aligned with tech progress. We are working to enhance ops affected by AI. We introduce unmanned dollies that can operate at the ramp site.

Smart technologies for autonomous GSE

Samantak Dasgupta, General Manager, Cozmo Logistics

Ground handling is evolving with the integration of autonomous vehicles, AI, and IoT. Handling increased cargo volumes and meeting the demanding schedules of express carriers requires, innovation, agility and speed. At Cozmo Logistics, we are embracing this shift by investing in smart technologies that enhance visibility, safety, and speed. Our focus is on digital mapping, predictive analytics and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication systems, to manage autonomous GSE.