Ground handling plays a crucial role in aviation safety, efficiency and resilience: IATA
Aiming to strengthen coordination and improve overall performance, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that this year’s Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on modernising operations and investing in the workforce.
In a press statement, IATA says that this year’s conference will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from May, 13 to 15, which will be hosted by Kenya Airways. This marks the first time the conference is being held on the African continent.
It adds that the event will feature keynote addresses from Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh, and Allan Kilavuka, CEO, Kenya Airways.
In a press statement, IATA says that the conference will include plenary sessions, specialised tracks and workshops covering various key aspects of ground handling operations.
It adds that the discussions will focus on various topics like on ground operations with emphasis Ground Support Equipment (GSE)’s reliability, its transition to hydrogen-powered GSE, the benefits of standardised training and key safety priorities for ground personnel.
Moreover, in a dedicated session, the topic of baggage operations, in which topics like real-time baggage tracking, the adoption of modern messaging standards, and the transition to electronic bag tags will be covered.
Additionally, IATA says that collaboration and innovation will be explored through discussions on airport ground handler collaboration accompanied by insights into privatisation, and upcoming regulatory changes in the ground handling sector.
Meanwhile, recognising the role of ground handling in Africa’s aviation sector, IATA says that Ruto has extended invitations to regulators and aviation authorities across the continent. He states that aviation contributes to economic and social development and holds potential to drive prosperity in the continent.
“Aviation opens a world of economic and social development opportunities, and aviation’s greatest potential is to make a real difference to the prosperity of people in Africa. Welcoming and supporting the IGHC in Kenya is an example of the importance that Kenya places on the aviation sector and the expectations that we have for it as a sector leading development in Kenya and across the continent,” says Ruto.
The statement adds that bringing the conference to Nairobi aligns with its Focus Africa initiative, which seeks to support aviation growth across the continent.
“As Africa’s aviation leader, Kenya Airways is honoured to pioneer this landmark event. Hosting IGHC aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. Hosting IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry, both domestically and continentally, to unlock prosperity and connectivity,” says Allan Kilavuka, CEO, Kenya Airways.
Meanwhile according to press statement, IATA says that ground handling plays a crucial role in aviation safety, efficiency and resilience.
“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is “elevate”. We will be looking for ways to drive better performance in the ground handling sector. That means modernising operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth even more efficiently,” says Willie Walsh, Director General, IATA.
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