Quantcast

Ground handling errors could cost airlines $10 billion annually by 2035

Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
American Airlines Tests New Tech to Help Passengers With Tight Connections During Summer Rush
Flight Diverted After Pregnant Woman on Board Goes into Labor and Delivers Her Baby: Report
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says "this is the most optimistic I've been in my entire career about finally getting the FAA fixed"
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Unveils Plan to Build Brand New, State-of-the-Art Air Traffic Control System
Passenger rushing for next flight can't believe what woman next to her does
Why fuel price crash won’t make flying cheaper
Kristi Noem says travelers without Real ID will still be able to fly after deadline
Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes Launching This Summer, Connecting Baltimore With Chicago O’Hare and Trenton, N.J. With Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Airlines in North America prioritize investments in cyber, AI
The evolution of the airline uniform — a cross check
Global Airlines & HiFly Operate 1st Passenger Airbus A380 Flight Between Barcelona And Berlin
American Airlines unveils ritzy new plane suites launching this summer
Airline Stocks To Keep An Eye On - April 28th
Gatwick Airport Faces Potential Strikes
50 New Routes Starting In May 2025
Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
New First-Class Suites, Futuristic Aircraft and the Top Air Travel News From April 2025
Ground handling errors could cost airlines $10 billion annually by 2035
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Ground incidents on airport aprons can lead to significant damage, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) warning of potential costs reaching $10 billion annually by 2035. The Montreal-based organization highlights that these incidents are often due to ground handling errors, which can result in injuries, operational delays, and costly repairs.

The IATA report underscores that most ground damage is caused by human error. This includes inadequate attention from ground handlers and insufficient training. The dynamic environment of airport ramps and aprons adds to the challenge, with factors such as staffing levels, experience, equipment operation skills, ramp design, traffic congestion, and weather playing a role.

Motorized Ground Service Equipment (GSE) is a notable contributor to aircraft damage. Such incidents disrupt airline operations and strain budgets. "Aircraft ground damage poses a critical challenge," states the report.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Movable stair trucks are another source of damage when misjudged distances lead to collisions with parked aircraft. Similarly, baggage loading trucks can cause harm due to mechanical failures or loss of concentration. A case in point was at Darwin Airport when a loader crashed into a Boeing 737.

Fuel trucks also pose risks at airports without underground fuel lines. In 2019, a fuel truck collision at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport involved two American Airlines regional jets operated by Mesa Airlines.

Passenger airbridges can inflict fuselage or door damage if not properly adjusted during boarding or disembarking processes. Lastly, towing operations carry risks; an incident at Dublin Airport in 2017 saw an Airbus A320's engine damaged due to tug control loss.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airline has entered into a partnership with Al Ain Football Club, which will see the airline become the Official Airline Partner for the club during the 2025/26 season.

Jun 1, 2025

As the aviation industry recovers in 2025, airlines face critical decisions when expanding their fleets.

Jun 1, 2025

In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Jun 1, 2025

As the world's second-largest country by land area, Canada's aviation industry plays a crucial role in maintaining connectivity.

Jun 1, 2025

United Airlines is set to implement a new check-in policy for domestic passengers, effective June 3, 2025.

Jun 1, 2025

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is gaining recognition as a major hub for connecting flights in the United States.

Jun 1, 2025