The aviation industry depends on a committed workforce to keep things running smoothly on the ground. Ramp agents, ground handlers and logistics staff are essential to airport efficiency, but hiring them has become increasingly difficult.
A 2023 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found that 37 percent of ground handling professionals expected staff shortages to continue, and 60 percent reported not having enough qualified personnel to maintain smooth operations.
From dealing with tighter budgets to battling candidate ghosting, hiring teams at ground handling firms are up against serious challenges.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is offering innovative solutions that can transform how ground support companies recruit, retain and grow their teams.
When companies face challenges with integrating AI into their hiring processes, there are steps that can be taken to overcome them to create a more efficient, candidate-centered experience. AI can also help tackle frequent issues for ground handling recruitment teams like candidate ghosting and shrinking budgets.
Top Challenges of Using AI in Recruitment
Ground handling companies face distinct challenges when implementing AI in the hiring process. Here are the three most common hurdles and how to overcome them:
Adoption Hurdles
One of the biggest roadblocks is that hiring managers may be hesitant to adopt AI, worrying it could replace their judgment, with 35 percent of recruiters concerned that AI might miss candidates with unique skills or backgrounds.
To address this, it’s essential to position AI as a tool that enhances – not replaces – human decision-making. AI can handle administrative tasks like interview scheduling and candidate sourcing, freeing up recruiters to focus on building better relationships and making informed decisions.
Data Integration Challenges
AI thrives on data but integrating it with older or fragmented systems can be tough. The key here is choosing AI platforms that work well with a ground handling firm’s existing HR systems and ensuring smooth data migration.
One of the most essential platforms for integration would be your applicant tracking system (ATS), with Greenhouse, iCIMS and Workable being particularly prevalent in the aviation space. Opting for seamless integration tools will minimize disruption and get your AI systems up and running efficiently.
Cost Concerns
AI can seem pricey upfront, especially for smaller firms, but the long-term benefits are hard to ignore. It saves time, reduces ghosting and brings in higher-quality candidates. For example, the Hackett Group found that AI can boost team productivity by 44 percent, proving how much it can improve efficiency for return on investment.
To address cost concerns, companies should implement scalable AI solutions that fit their budget and needs, showing a clear ROI through improved efficiency and better hires.
By addressing these challenges head-on, ground support companies can unlock AI's full potential in recruitment and create a more efficient, effective hiring process.
Ghosting: How to Keep Ground Support Candidates from Disappearing
According to Indeed, ghosting has become more common, with more than 75 percent of job seekers and employers reporting it since the pandemic. Talk to any ground handling staff recruiter and they will tell you it wastes time and causes frustration to employers and job seekers alike.
AI offers a powerful solution by automating consistent, personalized communication and informing ramp agent candidates and others about their application status. Tools like automated follow-up emails and real-time updates help keep candidates engaged, reducing the chances of ghosting.
Plus, predictive analytics can flag candidates at risk of ghosting based on their engagement patterns, allowing recruiters to step in with more direct communication. Well-built AI can also add a meaningful personal touch to recruitment, building transparency and trust – key factors keeping candidates in the loop.
Doing More with Less: How HR Teams Can Stretch Shrinking Budgets with AI
As more ground handling firms’ HR departments deal with downsizing, documenting and enforcing best practices is key for hiring managers. AI can help by sourcing candidates from multiple platforms, providing a steady flow without relying on external agencies.
AI also can automate screening candidates based on specific job requirements, improving quality and saving time – up to 30 percent per hire. AI systems continuously learn, which can be used to refine job descriptions and assessments to align with successful hires.
Using AI, in-house teams can optimize sourcing, compliance, and decision-making for better results, empowering HR teams to do more with less.
Improving Candidate Experience: How AI Can Boost Engagement and Retention
The ground support candidate experience is crucial for retention, branding and the bottom line. AI can make a significant impact by personalizing the candidate journey with tailored job recommendations and customized follow-ups – 62 percent of job seekers say AI makes the process feel more human.
For instance, AI-powered chatbots and automated updates also ensure timely communication, addressing one of the biggest complaints from candidates. By leveraging AI, you can enhance candidate engagement, strengthen your brand and improve retention.
The Future of Ground Support Recruitment
The aviation industry faces significant challenges in recruiting essential ground support staff, from tighter budgets to candidate ghosting and the need for operational efficiency. AI offers a powerful solution, automating repetitive tasks, improving candidate engagement and optimizing hiring strategies. AI is the way forward for companies aiming to build more efficient teams.
Companies that embrace AI will set themselves apart, attracting and retaining the ramp agents and other ground support personnel they need to succeed. By adopting AI to create a more efficient, candidate-focused process, you are one step closer to driving operational success.
