How to Choose a Ground Handler: 7 Checks Before You Hire

When an aircraft lands, many jobs start at once. Bags, fuel, catering, tugging, passengers, paperwork. A ground handler does these jobs. Pick a weak one and flights run late, or something gets damaged. Here is how to choose well.

What a ground handler does

A ground handling company serves aircraft at the airport. The work depends on who you are and what you fly. Common services are:

• Marshalling and parking the aircraft
• Towing and pushback with tugs
• Baggage and cargo loading
• Passenger service, boarding and check-in
• Fuel, water and lavatory service
• Catering and cleaning
• Permits, slots and flight paperwork

At many airports, business aircraft use a fixed base operator instead. We explain that in what an FBO does. Airlines and cargo flights usually use a ground handler, and some use both.

Seven checks before you hire

1. Is the handler audited?

IATA runs a safety audit program for ground operations called ISAGO. A handler that passes shows it follows set safety standards. Ask for the current audit status, not just a logo on a website.

2. Does it hold the airport approval?

Each airport sets its own rules. Many require a license or permit before a company can work on the ramp. Ask to see it.

3. What equipment does it own?

Tugs, ground power units, steps and loaders must fit your aircraft. A mismatch can cause delays or damage. Read more on how aircraft tugs work.

4. How are the staff trained?

Ask how new staff are trained and how often they refresh. Ask who signs off on work around your aircraft type.

5. Is the handler insured?

Damage on the ramp happens. Ask for proof of liability cover and what limits apply. Our guide to ground handling insurance shows what to look for.

6. What does the agreement say?

Many airlines use the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement as a base contract. Check the service list, the price for each service, and who pays for damage. Ask what counts as an extra charge.

7. Can it work when things go wrong?

Ask about night work, bad weather and short notice. A good handler has a clear contact who answers the phone out of hours.

Questions to ask the handler

• Which aircraft types do you serve every week?
• Who is my contact on the day?
• How do you handle a damage report?
• What is not in the price you quoted?

Red flags

• No written price list
• No audit or license to show
• Vague answers on insurance
• No out-of-hours contact

Handler or agent?

Some companies act as a ground agent. They book local handlers for you and manage the visit. This helps when you fly to many airports. The agent should still tell you who does the work on the ramp. Ask for that name.

A quick tip

Ask other operators who they use at that airport. People who fly there every week know which handlers are reliable.

Sources: IATA ISAGO and Standard Ground Handling Agreement (iata.org); airport authority licensing pages.

Find providers in our Ground Handling directory.