An Insight into Ground Handling Operations

Ground handling operations include various services an aircraft needs before its next take-off. Some airlines prefer to the service on their own, while others outsource the requirements to specialists.

Generally, ground handling agencies handle five operational areas - passenger services, ramp services, mail and cargo services, flight and communication operations services, supervision and representation services and load control. Read on to know about each one of them in detail.

Passenger Services

• Transfer, damaged and lost Incoming baggage processes of the passengers
• Guidance to terminal exit and baggage claim areas and passenger acceptance
• Ensuring safety of the outgoing passengers while they de-boarding the aircraft
• Attending unaccompanied children, outgoing and incoming VIP
• Special care passenger services
• Ground Handling Agency in India also has trained staff holding specialization in attending the disabled.

Mail and Cargo Services

• Acceptance of mail documents and export cargo
• Monitoring mail and cargo for proper loading of goods to the aircraft
• Preparation and physical control of export mail and cargo
• Handling custom clearance of the cargo that is imported and preparing for its delivery to the recipient
• Custom export cargo transactions

Ramp Services

Agencies offering Ground Handling Services have state of the art technology and experienced staff for-

• Marshaling and Meeting the aircraft
• Loading and offloading the aircraft
• Provision of Air Condition Unit, Aircraft Push-Back Tractor services and Ground Power Unit
• Provision of Interior cleaning, water and toilet services
• In adverse weather taking measures for de-icing the aircraft
• Storage of various unit load devices including pallets and containers.

Supervision and Representation Services

• Issuing guarantees and making payments on behalf of the airlines to the institutions like customs, terminal operators, police, airport authorities, etc. against the respective contracts.
• Maintaining and establishing contact with the local authorities on behalf of the airline
• Filing/ transmitting/preparing documents, reports, and statistics related to flights.

Flight Operation Services

• Handling airport slot applications and flight permit
• Coordination with aircraft catering and fuel companies
• Distribution and preparation of the cabin crew while planning for the next flight of the aircraft
• Preparation of navigation information and weather forecasts
• Uniform distribution of the cabin crew according to their expertise.

Additional Services

The companies offering Airport Ground Handling Services provide best in the class services to their customers. They handle General Aviation Terminal that is meant for private business jets. In addition, they also deal with the air taxi companies. Not all but few Airport groundling handling firms also offer the following services-

• VIP service vehicles for comfortable and easy transportation of the crew and the passengers within the aircraft/ terminal/terminal route.
• They facilitate the airlines with Ramp services vehicles for easy functioning.
• The agencies also have trained passenger service staff who is responsible for providing easy and fast passage of the crew and passengers through the terminal
• Flight operations and Load control staff ensures that the aircrafts receive secure and safe services within stipulated timeframe. In addition, they also ensure proper coordination and necessary communication with the flight operation staff and the aviation company.

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