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ASA Summer Edition 2024

Published on: 03 September 2024

The Voice of Service Providers Worldwide

Summer Issue - July & August 2024

ASA Secretariat's First Physical Meeting

The ASA Secretariat is growing steadily, in line with the increasing number of members and tasks assigned by the Board. With employees scattered across different parts of Europe, we decided to hold our first physical team meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, in July. Despite daily virtual meetings, these physical meetings will be reconducted regularly in the future, all the more so as and when additional colleagues join in. It was a fruitful and intensive one-day meeting to discuss ongoing matters and align on medium- and long-term strategic topics to best support our sector.

From left to right:
Elena Bah Risler, Thomas Konietzko, Mercedes Dieguez, Fabio Gamba, and Ariaen Zimmerman

July and August in a Nutshell

ASA's Global Role Recognized by ICAO: The Airport Services Association (ASA) is proud to announce its formal recognition by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as an international association, a significant milestone confirmed during the 232nd session of the ICAO Council on June 10th. This acknowledgment strengthens ASA's influence in the global aviation sector, more particularly in ground handling services. It also enables ASA to submit Information or Working Papers to the ICAO Assembly and allows ICAO to tap into ASA’s extensive expertise for its work on ground handling. [Read the full announcement here]
ASA Holds 2nd Operating Board Meeting on July 4.
Changes in the composition of the ASA Operating Board
David Anderson, Swissport, and Victor Carballo, Acciona, have announced they were stepping down from their position, and hence co-opting their colleagues:

Frank Dobbelsteijn, Head of
Global Operations, Swissport

Angel Arrúe, Managing Director
Airport Services, ACCIONA

We wish David and Victor all the very best for the future and we thank them for their time and support throughout these years. Frank and Angel join ASA’s Operating Board alongside: John Geddes (Principal), Corporate Affairs Director, Menzies Aviation; Michael Hancock, Group CEO, Southcorp/SG, CAHA; Marc Deleu, Managing Director, DAS Handling; Mete Erna, General Manager, Havaş; Roger Larreur, COO, AGI; Richard Prince, CEO, Aviapartner; and Ryan Abram, COO Global Airport Operations, Dnata.

ASA Reinforces its Position on Key Sector Topics
The second part of the EU Airport regulatory acquis fitness check is about to commence. The European Commission, having received input from various shareholders, including ASA, (see document here) back in June, will shortly start consulting with the industry. The Board recommended that the Secretariat release an update of the Association’s position on key topics, such as airport licenses and their ideal duration. The last such position dates back to 2009, and members felt it needed reconsideration in light of recent developments. A Task Force on the matter will be organized shortly.
Unique Aggregated GSE Activity Data to Be Released Soon
ASA has signed an agreement with Targa Telematics, a major provider of telematic solutions to GSEs worldwide. This partnership will allow us to collect and release de-identified and aggregated statistics regarding GSE usage, compiling and comparing hours of utilization and kilometres performed. The first data will be shared in our next Monthly newsletter at the beginning of October.

Welcome to the New ASA Associate Member:

With over 20 years of experience in connected vehicles, Targa Telematics is a leading global player in IoT and the development of digital solutions and platforms for connected mobility with a special focus on airport service vehicle management. The company partners with the largest airport service providers, driving innovation in ground handling through its advanced technology: digitalizing airport processes and enhancing safety, efficiency, sustainability, and regulation. Targa Telematics supports innovative mobility projects in airports worldwide, benefiting stakeholders such as Airport Authorities, Airlines, Ground Handlers, and other motorized vehicle operators involved in airport activities.

Training Committee Milestone: ATAP Certification Program Finalized
The ASA Training Committee has finalized the guidelines of the ATAP (Accredited Training and Assessment Program) certification and will shortly launch a pilot project with 4-5 training academies and GHSP training units. This program will enable ground service providers to mutually recognize each other's staff training credentials, simplifying the onboarding process for new employees with prior work experience. This initiative benefits both GHSPs, by reducing training time and costs, and employees, by enhancing job mobility and career progression.
Steer Consultancy Survey: Insights into the Ground Handling Industry
Steer Consultancy has completed an extensive survey involving ground handlers of various sizes and regions worldwide. In addition to desk research, they conducted interviews to gather input for their study on the "State of Our Industry." This study covers a broad range of topics, from the economic and competitive landscape to the communication strategies employed by industry players. An interim report was presented to the Operating Board, promising a highly informative final report which we expect to be released in October.
Common Values Task Force: Draft Position Document Completed
The ASA Task Force on Common Values, an initiative stemming from the Board's focus on the identification of what constitutes minimal acceptable operating standards for GHSPs, has delivered an initial draft to the Board. The document will be circulated to ASA members in September/October and is intended to eventually become a charter. Members who identify with this initiative can publicly endorse it, contributing to the industry's recognition for its positive impact on customers, workforce, and the broader community.

And More

Exclusive Offers for ASA Members
ASA is committed to providing added value to its members, and we are actively negotiating with various partners to secure special pricing on a range of services for aviation suppliers. These negotiations aim to offer our members better rates while also contributing a small portion of the costs back to ASA, benefitting our members through cost savings and increasing suppliers' visibility.

An example: Airport College International Partnership
One of our most significant and long-standing collaborations is with Airport College International.
- eLEARNING COURSES FOR AVIATION SAFETY, SECURITY, AND SERVICE : Airport College International offers a wide range of online eLearning courses focusing on ramp and passengers handling, aviation safety, security and air cargo. Designed to maintain the competence of operational staff, the eLearning courses are aligned with international standards set by IATA, ICAO, FAA and EASA.
- MULTIPLE LANGUAGE COURSE VERSIONS AVAILABLE GLOBALLY 24/7: eLearning training courses are designed for both new and experienced employees, ensuring compliance with industry standards while potentially reducing training costs by up to 80%. Available 24/7 worldwide and in multiple languages, the training service provides flexibility and efficiency, helping to stay within your training budget and reducing carbon footprint.

ASA members receive special discounts on these courses. Contact Thomas Konietzko to know how to take advantage of this partnership.

Pertti Mero, CEO, Founding Partner (Right) and Ari Ketola, COO, Founding Partner of Airport College International at the GHI Toronto Conference 2024

Cyber Security Initiative
Following the Cyber Security Workshop with selected members of the Safety & Security Committee, hosted by ASA Industry Partner Leo & Muhly Cyber Advisory on July 9th, ASA is coordinating live sessions with members to build a comprehensive shield against the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber risks for the Aviation Services industry.
Collaboration with Local Aviation Services Associations
ASA is actively coordinating with regional Aviation Services Associations across the globe to sign Collaboration Agreements. These agreements aim to enhance aviation safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability within the aviation services industry worldwide. The objective is to provide a framework of cooperation and understanding and to facilitate collaboration between the Associations.
Ground handlers’ Directory:
An Initiative to release a compendium of ASA members’ station contact details and services offered at all the stations across the globe has been initiated.
New Times, New Corporate Identity
ASA has worked on a new logo and corporate identity to better capture the essence of the association. The New ASA branding will be unveiled during the ALF in Istanbul, 29-31 October.

ASA Leadership Forum

Awards submission Deadline Extended:
The deadline for submitting papers is extended until September 15, following requests from some companies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your achievements! Forms can be found here.
One-to-One Meeting System:
The meeting system will be available very soon. Confirmed attendees will receive an email from the event organiser (EVAINT) with the unique link to start organizing their agenda during the event. If you haven’t done so already, subscribe here.