We have already seen what the flight phases of an airplane are and we analyzed what each one of them consisted of. However, there is another stage that, although not part of the actual flight of an aircraft, is essential for the safety of passengers and crew: aircraft ground handling.
That’s why today at 360 Aviation Life we explain in detail what this topic is about, its relevance in the world of aviation, and which training courses can train you in this field.
Table of Contents
What is Aircraft Ground Handling?
Aircraft ground handling refers to the various tasks and services performed on the ground to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft at airports. These activities are carried out by ground handling companies, which are responsible for providing assistance to aircraft, crews, and passengers during their time on the ground.
What is Aircraft Ground Handling for?
The main objective of aircraft ground handling is to ensure an efficient operational flow and maintain high safety standards. However, this encompasses a wide range of facets, some of which are:
- Operational efficiency: Aircraft ground handling contributes to maintaining an efficient operational flow at the airport. By providing fast and safe loading and unloading services and timely fuel supply, aircraft waiting time on the ground is reduced and flight delays are minimized .
- Safety: Ground handling is carried out following strict safety procedures. Proper handling of cargo and fuel, supervision of equipment and vehicles on the apron, and implementation of safety measures in all aspects of ground operations help ensure the safety of aircraft, crew, and passengers.
- Passenger comfort and welfare: Aircraft ground handling personnel are responsible for providing passenger assistance services, such as baggage handling, escorting people with reduced mobility, and providing catering services. These actions seek to ensure passenger comfort and satisfaction during their time at the airport.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Ground handling also includes aircraft maintenance and cleaning services. Visual safety inspections are performed, emergency equipment is checked and cleaning and conditioning of the aircraft interior is carried out. These actions contribute to maintaining the aircraft in optimal operating conditions and provide a clean and pleasant environment for passengers.
- Operations coordination: Ground handling personnel play a key role in the coordination of airport operations. They work closely with the crew, air traffic control personnel, and other involved parties to ensure the synchronized and safe functioning of all aspects of the operation.
- Ramp services: This involves the handling of the aircraft on the platform or ramp of the airport. Includes aircraft parking and movement, provision of specialized equipment and vehicles (such as tow tractors or pushback), as well as coordination of baggage loading and unloading.
- Loading and unloading services: Refers to the handling and transportation of baggage, cargo and mail on and off the aircraft. This involves using loading equipment, such as conveyor carts, conveyor belts and forklifts, to ensure safe and efficient cargo handling.
- Fuel services: Includes the supply of fuel to the aircraft. The handling team is in charge of connecting the tankers to the aircraft and supplying the fuel required for the flight.
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What personnel are involved in Aircraft Ground Handling?
Aircraft ground support involves the participation of various types of specialized personnel. However, it should be noted that the exact composition of the personnel involved varies according to the size and complexity of the airport, as well as the services provided by the ground handling company.
The following are some of the roles and functions of personnel involved in aircraft ground support:
- Handling Agent: Responsible for coordinating and supervising the ground operations of an airline or handling services company. Its work includes the management and coordination of the different services, ensuring that safety, efficiency and quality procedures are complied with. They are also responsible for communication and coordination with the crew, ramp personnel, and other related departments.
- Maneuvering area agent: Maneuvering area agents, also known as marshallers or marshaling agents, are in charge of guiding aircraft on the ground during parking, takeoff, and landing. They use visual and hand signals to indicate to pilots the correct direction and position on the platform. Its function is essential to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in the airport maneuvering area.
- Flight coordination: Flight coordination involves the planning and organization of air operations on the ground. Flight coordinators are responsible for managing aircraft departure and arrival schedules, coordinating gate assignments and handling services required for each flight, and communicating with pilots and crew to ensure a smooth operation.
- Customer Service Support: Customer care support agents are responsible for providing assistance and care to passengers during their time at the airport. This includes helping with check-in, providing flight and schedule information, handling inquiries and complaints, and assisting in resolving problems or unforeseen situations that may arise.
- Check-in and check-in: The check-in and check-in agents are in charge of the process of registering passengers prior to their flight. Their work involves checking documentation, issuing boarding passes, assigning seats and handling checked baggage. They also provide information on safety procedures and answer passengers’ questions.
- Signalman: Signalmen are responsible for the direction and guidance of aircraft on the airport apron. They use visual signals and radio communication to instruct pilots on parking, taxiing, and taxiing maneuvers on the platform. Its function is to ensure the safe and efficient movement of aircraft on the ground, avoiding collisions and ensuring the correct location of the aircraft.
- Catering and aircraft supply service: Catering and supply service personnel are responsible for loading and unloading food, beverages and supplies onto aircraft. They work in coordination with the catering services to ensure that food and beverages are loaded on board in a proper and timely manner. They are also in charge of waste management and maintaining the necessary supplies for the flight.
- Push Back (Aircraft Parking): Push back operators are responsible for pushing or towing aircraft from the boarding gates to the departure position on the apron. They use specialized vehicles to perform this task and work in close coordination with the aircraft crew and ramp personnel to ensure safe and accurate movement.
- Reduced mobility passenger assistant (PRM): Reduced mobility passenger assistants provide specialized support and assistance to passengers with mobility difficulties or special requirements. Their role is to ensure that these passengers receive the necessary attention and assistance during their time at the airport, from check-in to boarding and disembarking the aircraft.
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What kind of training do I need to perform Aircraft Ground Handling tasks?
There are several careers and areas of study related to the world of aviation that can prepare you to participate in aircraft ground handling. Here are some of them:
- Airport Management: Studying airport management will provide you with knowledge of airport management and operation, including aircraft ground handling. You will learn about aspects such as airport operations planning, human resources management, airport security and handling services coordination.
- Airport engineering: A career in airport engineering will enable you to understand the technical and infrastructural aspects of airports. You will acquire knowledge on runway, apron and terminal design, as well as on lighting, signaling and air traffic control systems, which is relevant for aircraft ground handling.
- Logistics and air transport: Studying logistics and air transport will provide you with knowledge of supply chain management and transportation operations planning in the airline industry. This includes the efficient handling of cargo and baggage, as well as the coordination of ground handling services.
- Airport services management: A career in airport services management will give you a comprehensive understanding of the services and operations that take place at an airport. You will learn about terminal management, customer services, security services, as well as the coordination of ground handling and logistics services.
- Cabin crew training: While cabin crew training is more focused on in-flight passenger care, it also provides knowledge of aircraft safety and ground handling procedures. This will give you a broad perspective and understanding of airport operations in general.
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As we have seen, what we understand as aircraft ground handling encompasses a wide range of tasks and services to ensure the safe and efficient operation of aircraft at airports, in addition to crew and passenger assistance. encompassing a multiplicity of tasks that involve a wide range of skilled personnel
It is essential to be properly trained to perform aircraft ground handling tasks. Our airport passenger, crew, aircraft and cargo handling course can give you the skills you need to excel. From airport management to aircraft parking, our program will provide you with comprehensive and practical training. Contact us today and start writing your aviation success story.
Sources
Aviation Safety State Agency (AESA) – Handling
