An Insight into Major Categories of Airport Ground Handling Services

Aircraft ground handling involves servicing of an aircraft usually when it’s on the ground, parked at an airport’s terminal gate. Its major categories include-

• Cabin Service
• Catering
• Ramp Service
• Air Cargo Handling
• Passenger Service
• Field Operation

Read on to know about each one of them in detail-

Cabin Service - The main aim of this service is to ensure comfort of the passengers. Cabin cleaning demands a lot of effort and tasks like replenishing washable items (blankets and pillows) and onboard consumables (reading materials, soap, toilet paper, and tissues).

Catering Service - In its catering service Ground handling agency in India unloads unused drink and food from the aircraft, and loads fresh drinks and food items for crew and passengers. Usually, Airline meals are delivered in service trolleys of the airline. The agency is also responsible for replacing trash-filled/empty trolley with fresh ones. Mostly, meals are prepared on the ground. This minimizes the amount of preparation and eases the work of crew.

Ramp Service - It involves a lot of work. The agency is responsible for aircraft marshaling, Lavatory drainage, Towing (it involves use of pushback tractors), checking Water cartage, Air conditioning of the plane, Air start units and other tasks. The additional ramp service includes luggage handling (uses baggage carts and belt loaders) and checking luggage of the passengers at the gate.

Air cargo handling Service- This service is usually carried by means of cargo loaders, cargo dollies and catering truck. Refueling is done using refueling pumper or refueling tanker truck. Air cargo handling also uses Ground power and passenger stairs so that the work can be done within quick turnaround time at a low cost. Some of the agencies also offer Wheelchair lifts and Hydraulic mules facility. It is advised to specify your particular needs before hiring a company for Ground handling services.

Passenger Service – In the passenger service the agency handles tasks inside the airport terminal. They provide check-in counter services. In addition, they also provide gate departure and arrival services. The professionals need to be quick when handling passenger service as they need to meet a flight on departure/arrival. They need to be super active from the time passengers’ board to the flight to its closing.

Field Operation – In the field operation the agents are responsible for maintaining service dispatches the aircraft, maintains communication with the airline staff that handles Air Traffic Control and other operations of the airport.

The Concluding Word

Obviously, the agencies offering ground handling management have to deal with variety of tasks. These operations are performed for decreasing ground time and enhance the productivity of the aircraft. Delays are not at all acceptable when it comes to airlines.

Therefore, it is important for the agencies offering Airport ground handling services to focus on time and efficiency of the operations handled by them. Ground handlers who use technologically advanced equipment turn out to be great support system for the airlines. It is important to hire a reliable service provider offering professional and qualified customized services.

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