Special Edition: A Profile in Ground Operations

Welcome back! Ground handling is an integral part of airline operations. This week we take a special look at working on the ramp. The 'News in Brief' section is at the bottom of the newsletter. Let's get to it.

Airports would grind to a halt without the critical work of ground handling services. No matter the challenge, ground handlers, play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of operations. IATA recognizes the importance of applying global standards in ensuring safe, secure and efficient ground operations.

Chief Safety Officer, Brian D. Bartal, works for Unifi, currently North America’s largest ground handling company. After starting on the ramp, he has accumulated over 20 years of operational experience and shared some of his reflections with IATA.  

What first inspired you to work on the ramp?

I grew up in a small town in Michigan and rarely traveled out of the state. At the age of 14, I flew for the first time, and it was from that flight that I knew my future would be in aviation. For anyone who has ever been on a ramp, the first time you approach an aircraft is always an incredible experience. For me, the ramp is a unique world that most people never experience and will never fully appreciate.

Where did you complete your initial training, and what training methods proved most effective?

My initial ramp training was in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and it was my first work trip away from home. This was an in-person class with two experienced instructors who had previously worked in frontline positions. We spent much of the class time listening to their stories about working for the airline.

What advice would you give to someone interested in working in ground operations?

I would tell them they must have passion for this work and take advantage of every training and learning opportunity. If you are willing to put in the work and learn, the industry has endless possibilities for you.

What are some innovations we can expect to see in the area of ground operations? 

There is a tremendous opportunity for equipment automation, such as self-docking jet bridges, self-mating loaders, and self-mating belt loaders. These all significantly lower the risk of aircraft ground damage and can be implemented with little to no changes to infrastructure.

What is an unexpected and unique thing you have learned in your career? 

I did not expect to learn the "science of safety" and the psychology behind effective safety management systems. Along with the ability to leverage vast amounts of data to strengthen our operations, it's been incredible how far we've come. 

What are some interesting facts that most people don't know about working on the ramp?

There is a lot of history in this business as a ground service provider, and it is interesting when you learn how each organization developed independently and, in many cases, uniquely at each site. The work to continue standardizing processes between carriers and stations is a unique hurdle and ongoing exercise in change management that is both challenging and fun. 

Products and Courses

To learn more about ground handling processes and procedures, you may order IATA’s Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) in English, French or Spanish.

For anyone new to ground operations or for those of you wanting to upskill, IATA offers a range of Ground Operations Courses

To mitigate against accidents and incidents that impact ground operations, the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) Standards Manual can be purchased online

Did You Know?

• Jet bridges, which are a mainstay of any major airport were first invented by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) graduate Frank Der Yuen in 1959.
• Major airports handle an incredible volume of baggage daily. For example, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, manages approximately 250,000 pieces of luggage each day, with 80,000 to 100,000 during peak hours.
• Wheel chocks provide critical support for keeping an aircraft stationary on the ground. They are usually made of rubber and the term “chocks away!” is attributed to Royal Air Force pilots during World War II as they prepared to take off.

News In Brief

✈ Congratulations to IATA´s latest member: Tailwind Airlines 🎉

✈ #WeeklyChart: Credit ratings for airlines improve but are still below 2019 levels

Upcoming webinars:

✔️ Addressing Aviation Safety Challenges and Solutions in #Africa and the #MiddleEast - 28 AUG

✔️ Data-Driven Air Service Development for Routes World Success - 10 SEP

Thanks for reading! Safe travels and please consider sharing this newsletter.