Stronger Standard Implementation, Modern GSE, and Digitalization Are Key to More Resilient Ground Handling

19 May 2026 (Cairo) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for stronger implementation of global standards, a transition to modernized ground support equipment (GSE) and greater digitalization in the ground handling sector. This will support safer, more efficient, sustainable, and resilient ground handling. IATA made the call at the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC), which opened in Cairo today, hosted by EgyptAir.

“Ground handling is often invisible to passengers, but when it goes wrong, everyone notices. A delayed bag, a damaged aircraft, a loading error, or a disrupted turnaround may last minutes, but the consequences can ripple across an entire network. Stronger implementation of standards, smarter equipment, and digitalization are the fundamentals that will make ground operations safer, more efficient, more sustainable and more resilient,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director Ground Operations.

Stronger Implementation of Global StandardsIATA’s latest ground handling safety data shows progress, with no fatal ground handling accidents and one serious injury recorded in 2025 across nearly 40 million flights. Global standards are the foundation of safe and efficient ground operations. For airlines and ground handling service providers (GHSPs), the key reference points are the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the Airport Handling Manual (AHM). IATA called on the industry to accelerate implementation, reduce unnecessary variations, and make greater use of audit programs, such as the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), to strengthen operational discipline.

• Implement IGOM and AHM consistently: To support adoption, the Operational Portal is now used by more than 1,000 registered users, including 280 airlines and over 700 ground handler accounts. In 2025, in total, 582 organizations shared their IGOM adoption rate, and more than 500 reported alignment with AHM training requirements.
• Reduce unnecessary variations: IATA called for any variations to be justified, transparent and kept to a minimum. Among organizations that shared their IGOM gap analysis, more than 40% reported no variations. An average of 32 variations per audit report were declared in 2025, representing 8% of total IGOM procedures, mainly related to aircraft arrival procedures.
• Strengthen oversight through ISAGO: In 2025, nearly 300 audits were conducted under the revamped ISAGO model. Today, ISAGO supports more than 230 ground handling service providers across 441 accredited stations at more than 250 airports, with more than 200 airlines relying on its audit reports.

Modernizing GSE Fleets

“Aircraft ground damage is one of the most persistent operational and financial risks in ground handling, with more than 29,000 aircraft ground damage events reported in 2025. Unless we reduce the rate of these incidents, costs will multiply as the industry grows. But modernization is not only about making equipment safer. It is also about making it cleaner. Technology can help on both fronts. Two priorities are the transition to enhanced GSE and electric GSE,” said Mejstrikova.

• Enhanced GSE: To support the transition to enhanced GSE (GSE fitted with anti-collision technology), IATA launched the Enhanced GSE Recognition Program in 2024. Since then, IATA has received more than 450 applications, validated 187 stations, and recognized 75 stations for reducing operational risk.
• Electric GSE: The biggest gains in decarbonizing aviation will come from how aircraft are powered, particularly through SAF. But opportunities on the ground are also significant. Electric GSE can lower turnaround emissions by 35% to 52%, depending on the equipment mix and electricity source. IATA recently published practical guidance for airports and ground handlers moving from fuel-powered to electric fleets.

DigitalizationFragmented data, manual processes and delayed information remain major barriers to safer and more efficient ground handling.

“Too many ground handling processes still rely on disconnected systems, manual inputs and delayed information. These gaps in data create opportunities for mistakes to happen, bags misplaced, aircraft loaded incorrectly and risks identified too late. Better data gives operators the visibility they need to enable faster, better decisions,” said Mejstrikova.

IATA highlighted three areas where digitalization can deliver practical operational benefits:

• Baggage: Modernizing how baggage information is exchanged is a key priority. The recently developed IATA Baggage Community System (BCS) will connect airlines, airports and ground handlers on a single platform, enabling real-time information sharing and better visibility across the baggage journey.
• Aircraft loading: Nearly 38,000 aircraft loading errors were reported in 2025. The X565 data standard is modernizing how loading information is shared, moving away from manual processes toward faster, more accurate digital workflows. Boeing is supporting the use of X565 for the Boeing 737, while Airbus has made progress across the A320, A330 and A350 families, including future cargo variants. Airlines using digital load control and reconciliation systems are reporting reductions in loading errors of more than 90%, along with fewer delays.
• De-icing/anti-icing: Through the De-Icing/Anti-Icing Quality Control Pool, airlines have better visibility into operational risks across de-icing stations, supported by stronger data sharing and a new industry dashboard to help identify hazards earlier and strengthen safety oversight. The model is expanding, with the first major U.S. operator joining this winter season and growing engagement with China to better align global standards.