The International Air Transport Association has called for the modernisation and digitalisation of ground handling operations as part of efforts to reduce aircraft damage incidents and improve operational efficiency across the aviation industry.
Speaking on the need to modernise ground support equipment fleets, IATA’s Director Ground Operations, Monika Mejstrikova, said aircraft ground damage remained one of the industry’s most persistent operational and financial risks.
“Aircraft ground damage is one of the most persistent operational and financial risks in ground handling, with more than 29,000 aircraft ground damage events reported in 2025. Unless we reduce the rate of these incidents, costs will multiply as the industry grows. But modernisation is not only about making equipment safer, but it is also about making it cleaner. Technology can help on both fronts. Two priorities are the transition to enhanced GSE and electric GSE,” Mejstrikova said.
According to IATA, the Enhanced GSE Recognition Programme, launched in 2024 to support the transition to ground support equipment fitted with anti-collision technology, has received more than 450 applications.
The association said it had validated 187 stations and recognised 75 stations for reducing operational risk.
On electric ground support equipment, IATA noted that while Sustainable Aviation Fuel remained key to aviation decarbonisation, opportunities also existed on the ground.
It stated that electric GSE could lower turnaround emissions by between 35 per cent and 52 per cent, depending on equipment mix and electricity source.
The association added that it recently published practical guidance for airports and ground handlers transitioning from fuel-powered to electric fleets.
Speaking on digitalisation challenges in ground handling operations, Mejstrikova said fragmented data, manual processes, and delayed information continued to hinder safety and efficiency.
“Too many ground handling processes still rely on disconnected systems, manual inputs, and delayed information. These gaps in data create opportunities for mistakes to happen, bags to be misplaced, aircraft to be loaded incorrectly, and risks identified too late. Better data gives operators the visibility they need to enable faster, better decisions,” Mejstrikova said.
IATA highlighted baggage handling, aircraft loading, and de-icing operations as three major areas where digitalisation could deliver operational benefits.
The association said the recently developed IATA Baggage Community System would connect airlines, airports, and ground handlers on a single platform to enable real-time information sharing and improve baggage visibility.
IATA revealed that 2025 saw nearly 38,000 reported loading errors.
It said the X565 data standard was modernising the sharing of loading information by replacing manual processes with faster and more accurate digital workflows.
According to the association, Boeing is supporting the use of X565 for the Boeing 737, while Airbus has made progress across the A320, A330, and A350 aircraft families, including future cargo variants.
IATA added that airlines using digital load control and reconciliation systems had reported reductions in loading errors of more than 90 per cent alongside fewer delays.
On de-icing and anti-icing operations, the association said airlines now had better visibility into operational risks through the De-Icing/Anti-Icing Quality Control Pool.
It added that the initiative was supported by stronger data sharing and a new industry dashboard designed to identify hazards earlier and strengthen safety oversight.
According to IATA, the model is expanding with the first major United States operator joining during the winter season and increased engagement with China to align global standards.
