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Ground handling

Ground handling is the process of servicing an aircraft when it is parked, usually between flights whilst the plane is at the airport terminal gate.

Ground handling is frequently subcontracted by airlines to the airports they use, to third-party agents or to other airlines.

The ground handling team is made up of staff who perform a wide range of functions including:

Ramp handling: guiding the plane into position and operating
Servicing vehicles on the tarmac
Refuelling and maintenance of the aircraft
Clearing of the cabin and restocking of the catering supplies
Check-in and boarding at the terminal gate

news

Shutdown at Bournemouth Airport as workers set to strike over pay

22 August 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Around 100 Unite members at Bournemouth Airport plan strikes in September, disrupting flights as staff demand higher pay amid rising living costs.

news

Munich Airport launches new electric bus depot to drive zero-emission apron operations by 2035

20 August 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Munich Airport has opened a major electric bus depot with 37 chargers, supporting its Net Zero 2035 strategy and boosting sustainable ground operations significantly.

news

Bristol Airport opens £60m interchange to boost bus and coach travel options

23 July 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Bristol Airport’s new public transport interchange triples capacity, improving sustainable travel options for passengers, staff and the wider region.

news

Hong Kong Airport keeps flights running smoothly as Typhoon Wipha hits during summer peak

21 July 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Hong Kong International Airport handled 1,500 flights and supported stranded passengers during Typhoon Wipha with efficient coordination and extra services.

news

Unite secures over 9% pay rise for Glasgow ICTS baggage screeners amid ongoing airport disputes and planned strike

29 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Unite wins a 9.8% pay increase and bonuses for Glasgow ICTS screeners, while wider airport pay disputes threaten strikes this summer.

news

Menzies Aviation staff at Edinburgh Airport reject pay offer as summer strike threat grows

29 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Around 300 Menzies Aviation workers at Edinburgh Airport have rejected a pay deal, raising fears of summer strike action.

news

Emirates handles record-breaking baggage volumes with 99.9% success rate across global operations

15 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Emirates reports its busiest baggage year yet, maintaining industry-leading accuracy and innovation across 140 global destinations.

news

London Gatwick Airport strikes over May half-term set to cause disruption for thousands of holiday travellers

15 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Refuelling and baggage staff strikes at London Gatwick Airport threaten major delays during peak May half-term travel.

article

The future is here: Airports enter the age of automation

5 May 2025 | By Dr. Catya Zuniga

Erlangga Rudy Sunaryo, Aviation Researcher and Dr. Catya Zuniga, Associate Professor at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences discuss the rise of automation in airport operations, driven by the BrightSky Project at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

news

Eindhoven Airport expands lifting aid use to improve baggage handlers’ working conditions and reduce strain

4 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Eindhoven Airport is increasing its use of lifting aids, aiming to ease physical strain and improve baggage handler safety.

news

Exeter Airport hosts UK’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft turnaround using green fuel and ground equipment

1 May 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

A ground breaking trial at Exeter Airport showcased green hydrogen-powered equipment servicing a TUI aircraft, advancing sustainable aviation goals.

news

Edmonton International Airport leads Canada in retrofitting runway sweepers with hydrogen-diesel hybrid technology

25 April 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

YEG partners with Diesel Tech Industries to trial hydrogen-diesel technology on runway snow sweepers, aiming to cut emissions and boost sustainability.

news

EasyJet to permanently implement APU-ZERO Project at Milan Malpensa to cut fuel, emissions, and noise

14 March 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

EasyJet's APU-ZERO Project at Milan Malpensa aims to reduce fuel use, emissions, and noise through electric-powered Pre-Conditioning Air Units, saving 1,150 tonnes of fuel annually.

news

Auckland Airport reaches major milestone as construction begins on new domestic jet terminal

11 February 2025 | By Gabriel Higgins

Auckland Airport has begun vertical construction on its new domestic jet terminal, enhancing passenger experience, boosting capacity, and supporting New Zealand’s economic growth.

news

JFK’s new terminal partners with TCR for world’s first all-electric ground support fleet

16 January 2025 | By

JFK's New Terminal One will feature the world’s first centralised all-electric ground support fleet, enhancing sustainability, reducing costs, and optimising operations for ground handlers.

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Latest News

Ground handling