IATA outlines key priorities at IGHC 2025 conference

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IATA outlines key priorities at IGHC 2025 conference

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Doug Lavin Vice President, Member and External Relations North America | International Air Transport Association - IATA

By Sky Industry News

May 13, 2025

Monika Mejstrikova, IATA Director of Ground Operations, addressed the IGHC 2025 gathering with a focus on the future of ground handling in aviation. The event was hosted by Kenya Airways and acknowledged the presence of H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, highlighting Kenya's commitment to aviation.

Mejstrikova emphasized the importance of ground handling as a critical component in ensuring safe departures and arrivals for millions of passengers daily. She outlined four key priorities for this year's conference: embedding safety in every action, global standardization of processes, enhancing baggage operations, and building a sustainable and inclusive way forward.

The first priority focuses on improving safety measures using data from IATA’s Accident Data Exchange (ADX) and Incident Data Exchange (IDX). This includes updates to the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) with clearer guidelines for equipment use and new protocols for aircraft with specific issues.

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On modernizing equipment, Mejstrikova highlighted the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program introduced in 2024 to encourage adoption of Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE), which comes equipped with proximity sensors to prevent damage to aircraft.

Improving weight and balance data accuracy is another area being addressed through standards like IATA X565. Airlines such as Lufthansa Group and Turkish Airlines are already implementing these standards to enhance safety.

Global standardization efforts include supporting adoption of IGOM and AHM through ISAGO—the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations—which saw record station accreditations in 2024. The enhanced audit process launching mid-2025 aims to streamline procedures further.

Enhancing baggage operations is crucial for passenger experience. Mejstrikova announced a 10-year roadmap focusing on information exchange, tracking automation technologies like RFID, GPS, electronic bag tags, and improving claims processes through AI.

Sustainability efforts include promoting electrification of GSE to reduce emissions during turnarounds. Inclusivity remains essential as airlines adapt to diverse mobility aids often powered by lithium batteries.

In conclusion, Mejstrikova stated that ground handling is strategic infrastructure shaping passenger journeys globally. She urged industry leaders to align their operations with these global priorities—safety, standardization, sustainability—and contribute actively during discussions at IGHC 2025.