The unfortunate incident, which appears to have happened sometime within May 13-15, 2024 was captured on video and has been shared on various social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter).

In the video clip, the worker appears to have concluded aircraft checks and steps out of the aircraft, where a stepladder had been placed. However, he is not facing the steps when he exits, seemingly presuming that the stepladder is still in position. 

Coincidentally, other ground workers pulled the stepladder away from the plane the moment the man steps, and the gap sends him plummeting down the ground to the tarmac. 

According to various social media posts, the incident occurred in Jakarta精东影业 Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), and fortunately, the worker did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

A Fly Guy精东影业 Cabin Crew Lounge, a Facebook group for aviation professionals with over a million followers, has called out for more 鈥渟ituational awareness鈥� at work to prevent such accidents from happening.

Man arrested on SYD airport tarmac after trying to jump into plane cargo hold

• Airport

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-04-29

Addressing labor shortages and knowledge gaps

The aviation industry lost many ground-handling workers during the pandemic, and now, with aviation picking up again, there aren鈥檛 enough skilled staff, especially those with security clearances. And, unfortunately, passengers are already feeling delays. This shortage is a sign of deeper problems in finding and keeping good ground staff. But there are ways to fix this 鈥� the industry needs a better plan to attract new talent and keep current employees, simplify the onboarding process, and introduce retention programs that prioritize global standardization, improved work environments, flexible scheduling, and competitive wages.

Baggage mishandling in the era of returning passengers

In 2021, the number of mishandled baggage cases stood at 4.35 per one thousand passengers, marking a significant 24.3% increase from the previous year, according to SITA’s 2022 Baggage IT Insights. The resurgence of air travel raises concerns about the potential for more baggage mishandling incidents. This highlights the industry’s responsibility to take proactive measures to enhance baggage handling processes, reducing passenger inconvenience.

The drive toward standardization

Industry standards are becoming fundamental in simplifying common processes, reducing costs, and enhancing collaboration between airlines, airports, ground service providers, cargo agents, freight forwarders, and governments. Recently, IATA reported that the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) Portal and IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) are successfully driving greater standardization of ground handling processes worldwide. Increased participation in both programs bodes well for safety and efficiency, aiming to reduce risk, avoid ground damage, and enable standardized, sustainable operations.

Embracing digitalization and sustainability

With air travel passenger demand on the rise and the imminent arrival of new aircraft, airports face challenges of limited space, environmental concerns, and increased noise levels. Technological advancements offer a lifeline, promising to improve sustainability and productivity by addressing issues such as low airport capacity, congestion, and pollution, especially in ground operations. Ground handling operations are increasingly reliant on collecting data for improved safety and efficiency, enabling data-driven decisions that cut costs and align with the aviation industry’s net-zero commitment.

As the airport ground handling industry looks ahead, it’s crucial to address workforce issues, reduce baggage mishandling, adopt standardized practices, and leverage the potential of digitalization and sustainability. These emerging trends will not only help the industry grow but also guarantee that aviation remains a secure, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation for years to come.

Sensus Aero is part of Avia Solutions Group, the world精东影业 largest ACMI provider, operating a fleet of 192 passenger and cargo aircraft worldwide.

Giedrius Lelevicius, Business Development Manager at DINOBUS, said, 鈥淲ith the aviation industry placing a growing emphasis on sustainability and the European Commission setting ambitious environmental goals, companies should proactively embrace sustainable practices and technologies sooner rather than later. We are delighted to see the enthusiastic response to the fully electric apron buses DINOBUS, as key industry players express their readiness to take the next step towards more eco-friendly operations.鈥�

For some time already, BGS, a leading ground handling, aircraft fuelling, and logistics services company, has been using a number of DINOBUS buses. The company has been actively exploring the potential to integrate this innovative and eco-friendly solution into its Ground Support Equipment (GSE) fleet.

According to Gytis Gumuliauskas, CEO from BGS, 鈥淲e firmly believe that DINOBUS buses have the potential to be a highly valuable and cost-effective addition to our fleet. Our experience thus far has involved using these buses within our day-to-day operations, and we have been thoroughly impressed by the quality these machines offer.鈥�

DINOBUS distinguishes itself from other industry competitors by providing excellent quality, significant experience, and cost-effective solutions. The 14-meter bus has a range of up to 200 kilometres on a full charge and a passenger capacity of 120 persons. Furthermore, DINOBUS ensures operating temperature ranges of -30 to +40 degrees Celsius. In addition, the company offers optional battery warranty extensions and quick production timeframes of 7-9 months.

Busnex is a subsidiary of the world’s leading aviation business group Avia Solutions Group, which is the parent company of a number of well-known and experienced ground handling companies, including Nordic Dino, Aviator, and BGS, all of which have contributed extensive industry know-how and support to the development of the newly introduced DINOBUS brand.

According to Irish , the deceased had passed away while abroad in Greece and was being returned to Ireland on an Aegean Airlines flight.听听

The man精东影业 family were reportedly waiting at the airport with a hearse but a mistake during the offloading of the aircraft meant to coffin was missed by staff.  

, which handles airport ground services at Dublin, ensured the deceased精东影业 coffin was returned to Ireland as quickly as possible and it arrived the following day.听听

鈥淲e are deeply sorry for the family精东影业 experience at such a difficult time and did everything we could to ensure things were resolved as quickly as possible. We are now conducting an urgent investigation to make sure lessons are learned,鈥� Swissport said in a statement to the Independent. 

The accidental mistake meant the family had to rearrange the funeral date and have reportedly been left upset by the incident.  

An internal investigation has been launched to understand where things went wrong.听

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The NAHCO, a Nigeria based ground handling operator, has since suspended its staff after the incident, which took place on January 4, 2023, reported Nigerian local media .听听

The aircraft, an Airbus A320 registered ES-SAZ, was damaged after NAHCO staff rammed a piece of equipment they were driving into the aircraft, the report reveals. 

NAHCO management, including Dr. Sola Obabori, Group Executive Director, Business and Corporate Services, has described the incident as 鈥榰nfortunate鈥�, having shared a 鈥榗ordial鈥� business relationship with Air Peace since the ground handler精东影业 inception in 1979. 

A statement signed by Obabori read, 鈥淲e have invited the relevant regulatory and security agencies to swing into action and especially investigate the subject of sabotage and take an independent look at the incident.  

鈥淭o enable proper and unhindered investigation, some senior operations officials have been suspended, while some others are being investigated,鈥� the statement continued. 

Airbus remains top aircraft manufacturer despite Boeing精东影业 best efforts

• Aircraft

byRytis Beresnevicius

2023-01-11

Three incidents in one month raise sabotage suspicion听

According to a report, Air Peace, has also called on relevant authorities for the investigation.听

Air Peace spokesman Stanley Olisa stressed that the airline suspected sabotage, after a total of three incidents of a similar nature occurred within a single month. 

鈥淭his is the third time in one month. The aircraft is now grounded, and we don鈥檛 know when it will be up again. The NAHCO staff had no reason to be where he was. He was not assigned to the aircraft and how he rammed into our aircraft is still shocking,鈥� said Olisa in the report. 

鈥淭his is going to cause revenue loss for us as an airline. The aircraft was scheduled to operate several flights today (January 4, 2023), but could not do so, causing flight disruptions and delays. The authorities should investigate the incident and take necessary actions. We have made a formal complaint to NAHCO management on the development,鈥� Olisa added. 

According to the Nigerian Flight Deck report, Dr. Sola Obabori ruled out sabotage from any of the NAHCO精东影业 staff, stating that Air Peace was a priority client for the ground handler. 

鈥淚t is not possible for us to deliberately and maliciously damage our key customer精东影业 equipment. We are doing the best that we can to take care of our customers. Air Peace is a key customer of NAHCO without any doubt,鈥� Obabori said. 

He added, 鈥淥ur staff are well-trained, but accidents do happen. You will agree with me that aircraft do crash due to human error. In this particular case, our operative was driving to attend to another flight that arrived before Air Peace.鈥澨�

Ethiopian 737 MAX crash: investigation blames production quality defects

• Aviation Safety
• Civil Aviation

byRytis Beresnevicius

2022-12-27

, from mid-December to Boxing Day (December 26, 2022), the most popular meal among its global airline partners will be served: a traditional roast turkey dinner. The turkey dinner is accompanied by sage and onion stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and finished with Christmas cake and mince pies.

In the UK, dnata Catering精东影业 traditional roast turkey dinner will be served approximately 8,000 times per day. Additionally, 10,000 tray set items, including mince pies and festive-themed chocolates and beverages, will be distributed.

In the USA, a similar main turkey meal is served. However, pumpkin pie, which is a popular dessert amongst dnata精东影业 American airline partners, will be served instead of a mince pie. There will also be pumpkin cheesecake and stewed apples.听

Dnata says that for 2022, airlines have requested additional sweet treats. They include a Yule log and stuffed profiteroles, a gingerbread cookie and a salted chocolate truffle.

In Australia, 75,000 traditional roast turkey meals will be served for international customers, consuming 1.9 tons of meat. Dessert will be a choice between warm fruit pudding, Christmas pudding cheesecake, or gingerbread-spiced crumble topped mousse.

鈥淔estive menus are signed off in November, after they have been developed by our award-winning chefs. Recipes are then created for all our global stations along with loading and plating guides with photographs of each stage, so that the process is fool-proof,鈥� Robin Padgett, dnata精东影业 divisional senior vice president for catering and retail said in a statement. 

鈥淲e also take the special requirements of our airline partners into consideration, with Halal-prepared meat as well as tasty vegetarian alternatives. Special meals account for 45 per cent of total meals provided for our big airline carriers,鈥� Padgett added.

Due to producing such vast quantities of festive meals, dnata精东影业 catering teams work closely with airline customers to analyze consumption trends and use predictive data to optimize the loading of food and beverage for in-flight catering. 

Analysis of on-board data not only reduces food waste but also fuel burn associated with carrying excess weight.听

Six ways to enjoy flying during Christmas and the holiday season

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2022-12-17

The strike, which began at 04:00 local time and is expected to end at 04:00 on November 21, 2022, is over a pay dispute. 

The employees are members of Unite, the UK and Ireland精东影业 largest trade union, and are employed by private contractor Menzies.

A big shout out to Menzies ground handlers at Airport taking strike action today for

Full story

鈥� Unite the union: join a union (@unitetheunion)

鈥淯nite精东影业 members at Menzies play a critical role in ensuring that planes operate safely at Heathrow,鈥� Sharon Graham, Unite精东影业 general secretary said in a . 

鈥淢enzies is a wealthy company and it can fully afford to pay its workers a decent pay increase.

 Unite精东影业 members at Menzies will receive the union精东影业 comprehensive support,鈥� Graham added.

According to Unite, Menzies had made pay offers below Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation.

Unite says delays may be inevitable, but that the dispute is of Menzies鈥� 鈥渙wn making鈥�.

鈥淭he strike action will inevitably cause serious delays for passengers at Heathrow but this dispute is entirely of Menzies鈥� own making,鈥� Unite regional officer Kevin Hall said in a statement.

Hall added: 鈥淚t has had every opportunity to make our members a fair pay offer, but it has stubbornly refused to do so.鈥�

A LHR spokesperson told local media that affected airlines have already put contingency plans into place, but flight cancellations are not expected

The dispute will likely affect flights leaving Heathrow Terminals 2, 3 and 4. The strike action will particularly affect the following airlines: Air Canada (ADH2), American Airlines (A1G) (AAL), Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA), Swiss Air, Air Portugal, Austrian airlines, Qantas, Egypt Air, Aer Lingus and Finnair.

Disruption expected at Heathrow after American Airlines engineers vote to strike

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2022-10-07

 

Local news CBS42 that the Jefferson Parish Sheriff精东影业 Office (JPSO) confirmed that a 26-year old Frontier Airlines employee, identified as Jermani Thompson, was unloading luggage from a parked aircraft when the accident occurred on August 30, 2022 at around 22:30 local time.

A JPSO spokesman said the employee was taken to a Kenner hospital to be treated but died shortly after. 

An airport spokesperson confirmed to New Orleans media outlet that Thompson was an employee of GAT Airline Ground Support. Mike Hough, GAT’s chief executive officer, told NOLA that Thompson’s hair became entangled in the machinery of the belt loader. 

Jermane Thompson, photo from: Louisiana Hot Topics Facebook page

鈥淲e extend our deepest condolences following the tragic death of a team member of our ground handling business partner at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time,鈥� Frontier Airlines said in a statement.

Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, also released a statement, which was seen by US media, regarding the tragic incident. 鈥淲e are deeply saddened about the tragic loss of GAT Airline Ground Support team member, Jermani Thompson. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport extends its sincere condolences to her family and friends, and also to our partners at GAT and Frontier Airlines. Jermani was a part of our Airport family, and we will continue to support one another in any way we can during this trying time.鈥�
 

Baggage handler falls asleep in IndiGo jet cargo hold, wakes up in Abu Dhabi

• Civil Aviation

byGabriele Petrauskaite

2021-12-15

Much like North America and Europe, Australia is also experiencing staff shortages in airports. The country精东影业 two largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, are preparing for the busy summer and school holiday season, which begins in October 2022.

In a memo seen by 精东影业, Qantas鈥� COO Colin Hughes announced that the airline is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from managers and executives to work at Sydney or Melbourne airport in roles such as driving baggage trucks and sorting luggage.

鈥�We continue to face operational challenges and so we鈥檙e calling on at least 100 managers and executives to opt into a short-term arrangement over the next three months,鈥� Hughes said in the memo.

鈥淧eople who respond to the EOI will be trained and rostered into the ramp environment at Sydney and Melbourne airports. These people will support our ground handling partners, who are managing the Qantas operation, over a three-month period from mid-August,鈥� the memo stated.

The memo also indicated that key parts of the role they are seeking include loading and unloading aircraft (sorting and scanning bags to be driven to an aircraft, scanning and loading bags onto belt loader, offloading bags to arrival belts) and driving a tug (taking bags between the bag room and aircraft, moving bags between International and Domestic airports).

鈥淚t精东影业 our singular company focus to support our teams to get our operation back to where it should be and provide our passengers the experience they expect from the airline,鈥� Hughes said in the memo.

A Qantas spokesperson told 精东影业 that as it had done in the past during busy periods, around 200 head office staff have helped at airports since Easter 2022.

Alaska Airlines ground staff reach new pay deal, bumping up salaries

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2022-08-08

Alaska Airlines announced that its airport customer service agents, stores, cargo, ground service and reservations agents, who are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), have ratified a two-year contract extension and agreement with management. 

The deal comes amidst staff shortages across the aviation industry, which are allowing staff to push for better pay. Lufthansa (LHAB) (LHA) on August 4, 2022, agreed a significant pay increase for its ground staff, just a week after a strike that had forced over 1,000 flight cancelations at Germany精东影业 largest carrier.

The Alaska Airlines contract was passed overwhelmingly, including increased pay with market reviews to ensure wage rates stay competitive, as well as increases in longevity pay. Job security has also been extended until September 27, 2028, the Seattle and Anchorage-based airline said in a dated August 6, 2022.

鈥淎pproximately 5,300 IAM members at Alaska Airlines who work in Ramp, Stores, Clerical, Office and Passenger Service have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a historic, industry-leading four-year contract,鈥� IAM said in a , adding that the ground staff精东影业 move to the top of the airline industry精东影业 pay scale is a first in the airline精东影业 history.

IAM members at Alaska Airlines are moving to the top of the airline industry精东影业 pay scale for the first time in the carrier精东影业 history!

鈥� IAM Air Transport Territory (@iamairtransport)

Agreements in the ratified contract include:

• Raises base wage rates for all classifications to between 8.9% and 17.4% on August 10, 2022.

• Further raises all base wages rates for all classifications by 2.5% on August 10, 2022.

• No changes to strong existing medical and other benefits.

• Longevity pay increases starting after year 6 at 5 cents per hour, and topping out after year 12 and beyond at 35 cents per hour.

鈥淚AM negotiators strongly advocated for employees鈥� needs, which included significant improvements to the wage structure,鈥� Jenny Wetzel, vice president of labor relations at Alaska Airlines said in a statement. 

Wetzel added: 鈥淚鈥檓 glad we were able to reach an agreement that improves our employees鈥� quality of life and is good for our company精东影业 long-term success. We are all very proud of this new agreement.鈥濃�� 

IAM added it looked forward to building on the ground staff contract 鈥渇or all airline workers鈥�.

Alaska Airlines celebrates 90 years, provides employees with 90,000 travel miles

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2022-07-12