IATA Highlights Safety, Standardization, and Sustainability Priorities at 2025 Ground Handling Conference

(IN SHORT) IATA unveiled four key priorities for the future of ground handling during the 2025 IATA Ground Handling Conference in Nairobi: safety, global standardization, baggage operations, and sustainability. The focus is on embedding safety in every action, standardizing global processes, enhancing baggage operations, and driving a sustainable and inclusive future for aviation ground handling.

(PRESS RELEASE) NAIROBI, Kenya, 2025-May-13 — /Travel PR News/ — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has outlined four crucial priorities for the future of ground handling in aviation at the opening of the 2025 IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Nairobi. These priorities are centered around safety, global standardization, enhanced baggage operations, and building a sustainable and inclusive future.

Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations, emphasized the rising complexity of the aviation industry, stating that as turnarounds get shorter, regulatory demands grow, and the need to decarbonize intensifies, it is vital that the industry focuses on integrating safety, accelerating global standardization, and embracing sustainability. “Ground handling is a key enabler of aviation safety and efficiency. The time has come for a collective industry effort to ensure that these priorities are embedded in every action,” said Mejstrikova.

Embedding Safety in Every Action

Safety remains the top priority for the aviation industry. IATA discussed several key initiatives to enhance safety and performance in ground operations:

1. Using Data to Improve Safety: IATA has included ground-related fatalities involving aircraft into its global safety taxonomy for the first time. By using data from the Incident Data Exchange (IDX) and Accident Data Exchange (ADX) programs, targeted updates have been made to the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), including the introduction of clearer no-touch zones, safer pushback procedures, and improved protocols for aircraft with inoperative Auxiliary Power Units (APUs).
2. Enhanced Ground Service Equipment (GSE): Proximity sensors in GSE are a game-changer for safety on the ramp. IATA’s Enhanced GSE Recognition Program launched in 2024 now includes 98 ground handling fleets, with a mandatory declaration for ISAGO-accredited locations beginning in April 2025.
3. Improved Weight and Balance Data: The X565 standard for automating weight and balance data exchange is designed to enhance turnaround safety and efficiency. Airlines such as Lufthansa Group and Flydubai, with support from Boeing and Airbus, have already adopted the standard.

Global Standardization of Processes

Global standards are foundational for the smooth operation of ground handling. Key IATA tools include:

• ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations): In 2024, ISAGO reached a significant milestone with 400 accredited stations. This helped airlines and ground handling service providers (GHSPs) streamline processes, avoid duplicate audits, and save costs.
• IGOM (Ground Operations Manual): The new OPS portal continues to be an invaluable tool for airlines and GHSPs, facilitating gap analysis and benchmarking for improvements in safety, training, and cargo handling.

Enhancing Baggage Operations

The modernization of baggage operations is a focus for IATA’s 10-year Global Baggage Roadmap. The roadmap includes advancements in digital messaging, end-to-end baggage tracking, and automation, all of which aim to improve passenger experience by making baggage handling safer and more seamless.

Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Future

IATA’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity is reflected in several initiatives:

• Electrifying Ground Support Equipment (GSE): Electrification can reduce emissions by up to 48% per turnaround. IATA has developed guidelines for operational planning and battery management to support this transition.
• Improved Accessibility: IATA is working with regulators and manufacturers to ensure that over 400 types of mobility aids—many powered by lithium batteries—are properly handled across the aviation journey.

Mejstrikova concluded, “The successful implementation of these priorities depends on the collaboration of every player in the aviation industry. By working together, we can ensure ground handling operations are safer, more efficient, and sustainable for years to come.”

For more information, please contact:

Corporate Communications
Tel: +41 22 770 2967
Email: corpcomms@iata.org