GROUND HANDLING STAFF :: BDS Aero Services (P) Ltd

GROUND HANDLING

COMMERCIAL DUTIES OF GROUND STAFF 

The job of ground staff is vast and varied. They have to perform various works from commercial to technical handling for safe and steady departure and arrival of an aircraft. The individuals working in ground duty branch are often known as ‘ground crew’ or Ground Staff. They work at airports to keep airplanes running efficiently. From welcoming passengers to an aircraft’s take-off, airport ground staff and air operations personnel play a crucial role in areas such as commercial activities, airline operations and the running of airports.

Ground staff also refers to people who work in the airport terminal itself. Some ground staff is responsible for inspecting, storing and transporting luggage, while others stock the aircraft with food and beverage items that are distributed during flight. Some ground staff members work directly with customers to answer questions and provide information regarding flight times, delays and any general queries the customer has before boarding. Ground staff work with the aircraft, crew and customers to ensure each flight is safe and enjoyable.

ROLE OF A GROUND CREW

The role of a ground crew demands for dynamism and professionalism. However, one cannot perform all the various duties in airport. Ground crew responsibilities are divided into 2 broad categories.
Commercial Role:

Inside the airport terminal:

– Checking passengers in for flights
– Re-routing or re-booking passengers whose flights have been cancelled or delayed
– Assisting disabled passengers or those travelling with young children
– Giving passengers up-to-date information on flights
– Assisting passengers with all enquiries, including lost or delayed baggage
– Assisting staff in carrying out security checks as and when the situation arises
– Delivering high levels of customer service to passengers and those travelling through the airport.

Outside the airport terminal:

– Handling all the loading and uploading of passenger bags from the aircraft
– Helping direct passengers on to and off the aircraft
– Directing landed aircraft to taxi spots
– Providing services such as steps from the aircraft for passengers and crew to disembark the aircraft

Technical Role:

-Coordinating and managing staff around the aircraft during its stopover
-Draft and hand over the necessary documents for the flight to the aircraft captain
-Preparation of the flight plan, fuel, weather condition and other important information
-Management of take-off slots with air traffic organizations
-Management of the airline network and fleet.

Major Ground handling agencies and future in Indian aviation:

Indian carriers currently self-handle the majority of their domestic and international operations. The primary customers of third party handlers in India are foreign airlines, who are not permitted to self-handle. This is supplemented by some under-the-wing activities for Indian carriers.

However, under the incoming policy Indian carriers will no longer be permitted to self-handle at the six metro airports or at Cochin, and will be required to appoint one of the licensed handlers at each airport for both terminal and ramp handling.

This would open up a significantly larger market opportunity for third party providers.