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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has outlined its priorities for ground handling in aviation, emphasizing safety, global standardization, baggage operations enhancement, and sustainability. Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, stated the importance of ground handling in ensuring safety and efficiency while shaping passenger experiences. "As the complexity of today’s operating environment increases—tighter turnarounds, regulatory pressure, and the drive to decarbonize—the industry must come together to embed safety in every action," she said.
Safety remains a top priority for IATA. The organization has included ground-related fatalities involving aircraft in its global safety taxonomy for the first time. This move aims to provide clearer insights into risks and facilitate data-driven actions. Mejstrikova emphasized that sharing more data leads to safer operations: “The message is clear: the more data we share, the safer we become.”
Key updates have been made to IATA's Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), including enhanced protocols for various safety measures such as brake checks and pushback procedures. The adoption of Enhanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE), equipped with proximity sensors, is also being promoted as a significant step toward improving ramp safety.
