The aircraft ground handling sector in Europe is preparing for significant regulatory changes that will shape compliance in the coming years, thanks to the publication of the first-ever ground handling safety regulations from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Stakeholders - including ground handling service providers (GHSPs), regulators, and industry groups - are working to ensure compliance and a smooth transitio, as these regulations aim to create a consistent framework across European Union (EU) jurisdiction, emphasizing safety and industry best practices. In this article we explore the ongoing efforts of GHSPs and industry associations to align with the proposed regulations.
Preparing for the new regulations
Ryan Abram, chief operating officer at dnata airport operations, explains that the expectation is for ground handling service providers to demonstrate compliance by adhering to industry practices, specifically the IATA manuals for ground operations: the Aircraft Handling Manual (AHM) and the Ground Operations Manual (IGOM).
“GHSPs have worked in collaboration with EASA, IATA, and other stakeholders to support this route as an acceptable means of compliance (AMC)," he says. “GHSPs should review their existing procedures against the draft regulations, conducting a gap analysis exercise as an important part of the preparation phase. dnata’s Ground Operations Manual (dGOM) closely aligns with the IGOM, so we are confident we will be able to demonstrate compliance across our operations."
The industry has been actively involved throughout the development of the new ground handling regulations by means of an EASA Ground Handling Expert Group, which includes authorities and service providers, according to a spokesperson for EASA.
“Since the draft regulations were published, EASA has hosted a webinar for the industry, and there has been continued discussion and dialogue with the entire ground handling community," says EASA.
Several members of ASA World have been actively involved in the rule-making process for the new EASA regulations from the outset, providing them a solid understanding of the proposed rules. Over the past year, ASA World members have focused on several key activities, according to ASA World’s new Director General, Waleed Youssef.
“Our members have disseminated draft rules within their organisations to Conducting ‘mock audits’ with various competent authorities (CA) to test the ‘co-operative oversight’ approach, evaluate links between headquarters and local operations, and identify areas needing further guidance for both GSPs and CAs," he says.
“Our members have also aligned training programs with industry standards and participating in expert groups working on Rule Making Task (RMT.0728) to ensure the regulations are practical and future-proof. Finally, they have leveraged their expertise in handling regulatory shifts during the long transition from publication of the regulations to adoption and enforcement."
ASA World recognizes that the new EASA regulations do not impose a single industry standard but rather allows ground handlers to determine the most suitable compliance framework for their operations, explains Youssef.
“This could include IATA’s AHM and IGOM standards, ISAGO certification, or SAE standards for de-icing/anti-icing. One key aspect still under discussion is the absence of an EU-wide certification process for GHSPs," he says. “Unlike flight operations and aerodrome oversight, the new regulations rely on self-declarations rather than prior certification by national authorities. Oversight will be conducted through audits and inspections instead of pre-approval.
"This change places greater legal responsibility on ground handlers to ensure full compliance from the moment they submit their declarations to the authorities. The industry has been actively preparing for this reality, and our members have strengthened their internal compliance structures, safety protocols, and reporting mechanisms to effectively meet these obligations."
Implementation by 2028
With the publication of the new regulations, EASA’s task now is to support the industry and competent authorities in implementing the needed changes by 2028.
“If further changes were to occur, GHSPs will need to react accordingly in their operations, which may result in the need for process changes, although we hope and believe this is an unlikely scenario. GHSPs with operations in multiple locations, like us, may find this more burdensome if forced to manage different operating procedures in different jurisdictions," Abram says. “We have developed and implemented industry best practices across the world, and it is our consistent application of these that ensures safe and efficient ground handling operations."
European delegated and implementing acts leave very little room for manoeuvre once they have been sent to the Parliament and the Council for final scrutiny, according to an IATA spokesperson.
“The Parliament and the Council have a certain period, depending on the complexity of the act, to object the draft act as submitted by the Commission. If neither body raises an objection, the act is effectively adopted. Amendments as such are not possible at this stage," says IATA.
Youssef also believes the proposed regulations are unlikely to change following the outcome of the extensive consultation process that has taken place.
“However, individual member states may include additional requirements when incorporating the regulations into local law," he says. “This is not desirable for our members who operate in multiple jurisdictions and strive for commonality of equipment, processes and training, especially as we believe that commonality brings great benefits to safety and efficiency.
The future oversight of GHSPs
According to EASA, competent authorities have been involved in the expert group along with the industry. “To help prepare for future oversight, EASA, national authorities and the industry have participated in mock audits to help with initial preparations," says EASA. “As the regulation will become applicable in 2028, there will be a program of promotional activities between publication and applicability to help the entire ground handling community prepare for implementation."
GHSPs and industry expect a practical introduction of the regulatory oversight process, although there may be some questions during the initial implementation, according to Abram.
“As an industry, GHSPs understand the goal of consistently applied procedures, supporting best practice performance and the goal of safety," he says. “dnata supports the regulatory oversight program within the EU and would encourage other aviation authorities around the world to adopt the same approach."
Regulators are going through a parallel preparation process to ensure they can effectively supervise GHSPs’ compliance under the new framework, illustrates Youssef.
“This includes building a workforce of competent inspectors with specialist knowledge in ground handling operations. In some cases, we believe that competent authorities will work with experienced GHSPs to develop training programmes for inspectors, promoting collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders," he says. “This knowledge-sharing approach, successfully implemented in flight operations and airport inspections, will enhance regulatory oversight while ensuring practical and industry-aligned enforcement.
"From an industry perspective, we see collaboration between EU member states as essential to maintaining consistent standards of oversight. We encourage a harmonised approach that ensures fairness and operational clarity for GHSPs operating in multiple European jurisdictions."
Summing up
The final approval of the new ground handling regulations means the aircraft ground handling industry remains focused on maintaining safety and operational standards while preparing for the upcoming oversight framework. While the regulations may introduce new requirements, particularly regarding self-declaration and regulatory oversight, the emphasis on a harmonized, collaborative approach offers a promising outlook for a smooth and effective implementation.
