IATA Pushes for Safer, Cleaner Ground Handling Operations Through Modernization

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is championing a significant overhaul of ground handling operations across the aviation industry, emphasizing the critical need for modernization and digitalization. As reported by The Punch, this push aims to tackle persistent issues like aircraft ground damage, which poses substantial operational and financial risks, and to enhance overall efficiency.

IATA's Director of Ground Operations, Monika Mejstrikova, pointed out that over 29,000 aircraft ground damage incidents were reported in 2025 alone. The association's Enhanced GSE Recognition Programme, which supports the transition to ground support equipment with anti-collision technology, is a key initiative. Furthermore, IATA is advocating for the adoption of electric GSE, recognizing its potential to significantly lower turnaround emissions, contributing to aviation's decarbonization goals.

“

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 modernisation is not only about making equipment safer, but it is also about making it cleaner. Technology can help on both fronts. Two priorities are the transition to enhanced GSE and electric GSE.

Beyond equipment, IATA stresses the detrimental effects of fragmented data and manual processes on safety and efficiency. These gaps create opportunities for errors in baggage handling, aircraft loading, and other critical operations. The development of systems like the IATA Baggage Community System aims to create a unified platform for real-time information sharing among airlines, airports, and ground handlers, thereby improving visibility and enabling faster, more informed decisions.

For Nigeria and the broader African aviation sector, embracing these IATA recommendations is crucial for growth and safety. While international hubs may be further along in digitalization, adopting these modern practices is essential for Nigerian airports and ground handlers to reduce costs, improve passenger experience, and align with global safety and environmental standards. The focus on cleaner, safer equipment and integrated digital systems presents a clear pathway for enhancing operational integrity and competitiveness.

“

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 to be misplaced, aircraft to be loaded incorrectly, and risks identified too late. Better data gives operators the visibility they need to enable faster, better decisions.