The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted embedding safety in every action, driving global standardisation, enhancing baggage operations and building a sustainable and inclusive future as the four priorities for ground handling at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), which opened in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday.
A statement by IATA, stated that the event, which is hosted by Kenya Airways, focused on the importance of ground handling to the aviation industry.
According to Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, ground handling in the aviation industry ensured safety, enables efficiency and shapes the passenger experience.
Mejstrikova expressed that 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, accelerate global standardisation, and build a more sustainable and inclusive way forward.
IATA insisted that safety was aviation’s top priority and highlighted some key areas of action to enhance safety and performance in ground handling.
“For the first time, we’ve included ground-related fatalities involving aircraft in our global safety taxonomy. This gives us a clearer picture of the risks—and the data to act on them.
“Insights from IATA’s Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Accident Data Exchange (ADX) programs have already driven targeted updates to safety procedures in the Ground Operations Manual. The message is clear: the more data we share, the safer we become,” Mejstrikova said.
According to IATA, Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Aeronautical Data Exchange (ADX) had driven key safety updates to the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), including clearer no-touch zones, mandatory brake checks, safer pushback procedures, and improved protocols for aircraft with inoperative Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) or hot brakes.
The association added that fire safety, chock placement and sensor requirements were also enhanced.
These changes, IATA said were targeted, data-driven actions—and their impact depended on broad industry participation.
IATA urged more airlines and ground handlers to contribute safety events data to help make ground handling even safer.
Also, IATA said Transition to Enhanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE), equipped with proximity sensors, was a game changer for ramp safety.
To drive adoption, IATA stated it launched the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program in 2024, stressing that since then, 98 ground handling fleets had been registered and 28 stations recognised.
It added that from April 2025, declarations had been made mandatory at all ISAGO-accredited locations, with expanded criteria to include mobility equipment.
“The adoption of Enhanced GSE is a practical step toward reducing ground damage and improving safety on the ramp. It’s a clear example of how smarter equipment leads to safer operations,” said Mejstrikova.