Ground Handling — Aircraft Ground Handling

Ground Handling

Ground handling is the operational link between an aircraft's arrival and its next departure. Without effective ground handling, the turnaround cannot be completed on time and the flight schedule collapses downstream.

Ground Handling Services

Ground handling divides into two main areas: Passenger and Ramp Handling — check-in, boarding, baggage acceptance and loading, aircraft marshalling, pushback, fuelling, ground power, de-icing, potable water and lavatory services; Above-Wing vs Below-Wing — above-wing services (check-in, gate, lounge) vs below-wing services (ramp, baggage, fuelling, towing).

Ground Handling Agents

Airlines typically contract ground handling to: their own dedicated handling subsidiary (e.g. Lufthansa Ground Services), the airport's own handling company, or independent ground handling agents (GHAs) such as Swissport, Dnata, Menzies Aviation and Celebi.

Standard Ground Handling Agreement

IATA's Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) is the industry standard contract framework between airlines and GHAs. It defines service levels, liability allocation and the scope of services contracted.

SLA and Delay Codes

Ground handling performance is measured against service level agreements (SLAs) and tracked using IATA delay codes. A GHA-caused delay (delay code 60–69) can result in financial penalties under the SGHA. This creates strong incentives for turnaround discipline.