The International Air Transport Association (IATA) highlighted three priorities for ground handling at the IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) which opened in Reykjavík:
• Improving safety through reducing operational risk
• Implementing global standards
• Embedding sustainability – people, planet, and prosperity – in all activities

“Ground handling forms the backbone of aviation. It is critical to ensuring the safe and efficient transport of millions of travelers each year. With travel demand for the upcoming peak Northern summer season predicted to surge by 12% over last year, the ground handling sector will need to be ready. Our priorities are clear: improving safety, implementation of global standards and embedding sustainability in all activities," said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations.

Global standards are the foundation for safe and efficient operations. Two key tools for ground handling service providers (GHSPs) are the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and the IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).

IATA recently launched a sustainability roadmap for ground operations, centered around three pillars—People, Planet, and Prosperity.