Aviation explained the importance of ground staff in handling breakouts and passengers

1. The ground-handling part of an agency is vital to the smooth running of an airline’s business and can be divided into two orders of ground handling for airplanes and passengers. Why have Europe’s busiest airfields introduced passenger caps? Extended stay and check-in hours in Amsterdam’s Schiphol area and London’s Heathrow area outside airspace? This chaos on the ground has invited airlines busy and passengers frustrated. These conditions have proved that ground running is the backbone of the aeronautical ecosystem. They run the show for the airlines behind the scenes. The ground-handling part of an agency is vital to the smooth running of an airline’s business and can be divided into two orders of ground handling for airplanes and passengers. Airport Ground Staff handling for aircraft begins from the time the aircraft takes off for its arriving destination, while for passengers it begins from the time they enter the ground until they arrive at their destination. But don’t get out of the field. Ground running is responsible for the quick reversal of breakouts. The turnaround time varies between 30 to 90 minutes depending on the on-board services and distance covered. Ground running within this short period has to take care of refuelling, aircraft protection, passenger and baggage movement, security checks and cleaning/dressing of the cabin for the incoming set of passengers. On- ground cleaning brigades follow a roster as per the terms and norms of individual airlines. Aircraft protection checks are really important to avoid any particular disturbances. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation closely monitors the compliance and quality of aircraft safety and security. Trained and experienced masterminds and conservation staff insure the good state of health of the aircraft before each take-off. They have to follow a detailed roster to declare an aircraft as airworthy. The ground trainers, in turn, have to re-use the baggage, weight and passengers keeping in mind the required safety protocols and also ensure that the aircraft is cargo balanced for safe flight. On-ground service is the first print airlines leave on their pamphlets, and this first print sets the tone for the overall passenger experience. The ground handling agency portion begins when the passenger enters the field or when the airplane arrives at its assigned stage. They work on timepieces in shift duty and ensure that boarding passes are issued on time, advertisements are given on time, aerobridges, graduations and wheelchairs are provided, proper trailing, landing, unloading etc.

2. Dedicated ground handling services enable airfields and airlines to focus on their core operations and provide a smooth, safe and hassle-free flying experience for their guests. The adaptability shown by Indian aeronautics despite the pandemic, lockdowns, travel restrictions, rising energy prices, impacts and adverse geopolitics is largely predictable. This was possible due to the harmonious and effective performance of each and every stakeholder in our aeronautical ecosystem. We overcame the post-pandemic challenges with ease as a committed, trained pool supported us. We have an excellent mortal capital; so we must equip them with technology and training to achieve the desired growth without compromising on the quality of services.