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ASA World Quarterly Newsletter | Issue 3

Published on: 06 December 2024

ASA World Quarterly Newsletter | Issue 3

As 2024 draws to a close, ASA World reflects on a quarter filled with impactful advocacy, significant collaborations, and advancements in the aviation services industry. This newsletter highlights our recent activities and achievements, underscoring ASA’s dedication to building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable sector.

Word from Fabio Gamba, Director General

"This quarter has been transformative for ASA World, marked by key milestones that highlight the growing recognition and influence of our industry. From ICAO formally recognizing ASA World as an international association to the release of the ASA World State of the Industry Report, we are driving meaningful dialogue on the critical role of aviation services.

The report has shed light on a concerning imbalance in our sector, with declining revenues and increasing workforce pressures, which threaten innovation and sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires bold actions and unified efforts from all stakeholders.

The success of ALF 2024, which saw a record increase in attendance, underscores the power of collaboration and our commitment to shaping the future of aviation services. I am incredibly proud of the strides our team and members have made this quarter. Together, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient industry in 2025 and beyond."

ASA World State of the Industry Report – An Opportunity to Act!

ASA World, representing aviation service providers, has released a comprehensive industry report in collaboration with Steer, a renowned consultancy. This report offers an objective analysis of the sector's challenges and opportunities, proposing actionable solutions for a more resilient and sustainable future.

Key findings include:

Economic Impact: In 2023, the aviation services industry generated global revenue of US$64 billion, accounting for 7% of the global civil aviation value chain, and provided 1.1 million direct jobs, a 12% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Operational Challenges: The sector faces intense pricing pressures, high competition with low barriers to entry, recruitment and retention difficulties, lack of standardized training impacting safety, and limited capacity to invest in new capital assets, hindering the industry's green transition.

The report validates the industry’s long-standing messages and outlines actionable pathways to improve quality, safety, and sustainability, while supporting the ecological transition and attracting future talent. ASA World calls on all stakeholders to recognize the strategic importance of aviation services and align efforts to shape a resilient, innovative, and sustainable future for this essential sector.

Download the Executive Summary or Request the full report by contacting: communication@asaworld.aero

ASA World Global Role Recognized by ICAO

The Airport Services Association (ASA World) has been formally recognized by ICAO as an international association, cementing its influence in the aviation industry. This milestone, confirmed during ICAO's 232nd Council session, grants ASA World and its members access to ICAO meetings, enabling ground handlers to contribute to global aviation standards. ASA World recognition aligns with ICAO's recent release of the Manual on Ground Handling (Doc. 10121) and underscores the Association’s pivotal role in addressing challenges like workforce recruitment, retention, and the need for global regulatory harmonization. ASA World Director General Fabio Gamba emphasized the importance of this collaboration, particularly as ICAO approaches its 80th anniversary.

In a Nutshell: Quarterly Highlights

September

Air Transport News Ops Event: ASA World was honored with the Ops Award 2024 on 16 September in Athens, recognizing its significant contributions to promoting the global importance of ground handling.
European Air Transport University: On 18 September, ASA World spoke at the first module of this initiative in Paris-Orly, focusing on ground handling operations and SLAs.
African Development Bank Transport Forum: ASA World attended the event on 18 September in Abidjan, sharing its views on connectivity and affordability of African aviation.
Directive 96/67/EC Brainstorming Session: On 26 September, ASA World called a Task Force to address license durations for ground handling, recommending tender rotations and extended licenses. A policy paper will be shortly released.
Geneva Aviation Forum: On 30 September, ASA World was invited to attend as a panelist, reinforcing its role in shaping the future of aviation and engaging with industry stakeholders.

October

Eurocontrol NDOP Meeting: On 3 October in Rome, ASA World emphasized the need for ground handling providers' input to improve resilience amid delays caused by air traffic controller shortages and weather disruptions.
FAA Engagement: On 10 October, ASA World and other key aviation stakeholder, met with the U.S. FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker in Brussels, addressing ground handling safety and exploring regulatory parallels between the U.S. and Europe. The Administrator expressed readiness for further dialogue in 2025.
Joint Supervisory and Operating Boards Meeting: On 29 October in Istanbul, ASA World organised its second joint Supervisory and Operating Board meetings, a good occasion to deal with strategic and more operational matters.

Joint Board (SB members sitting) meeting in Istanbul, 29 October 2024.

November

MOU Between ASA World and IATA: the two associations have signed an MoU in order to enhance safety, efficiency, and global aviation standards. The scope of the MoU includes data sharing, handling guidelines, and joint projects to drive innovation and sustainability, download here.
ICAO Ground Handling Task Force (GHTF): ASA World, (represented by Dave Rogers/Swissport) attended the meeting on 5–6 November with the introduction of new Chair Barbara Schaffner (FOCA, Switzerland). The GHTF job card was elevated to "high importance," and updates to Doc. 10121 were outlined for 2027.
ETF and Social Dialogue Meetings:
- On 6 November, ASA World contributed to discussions on aviation resilience at the ETF session in Brussels, concluding that significant reforms are still needed post-COVID-19.
- On 7 November, ASA World attended the EC-led Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee, signing joint documents on gender balance and unruly passengers.
56th AFRAA General Assembly: On 18–19 November in Cairo, Fabio Gamba, ASA World DG, and Mohamed Hanno, Supervisory Board Member and CEO of the ASE Group SA, discussed with AFRAA executives mapping African ground handling and the potential establishment of an ASA World African chapter. A Memorandum of Understanding is currently under consideration.

From left to right: Abderahmane Berthe, AFRAA Secretary General, Mohamed A. Hanno, Executive Chairman and CEO of ASE Group, ASA World Supervisory Board member, Fabio Gamba, Director General ASA World and Gaoussou KONATE, AFRAA Consulting Director, Technical and Operations.

Ongoing Initiatives and Working Groups

ATAP Certification: ASA World’s Training Committee conducted pilot audits with four members, preparing for the official launch of the Airport Training and Accreditation Program (ATAP) in Q1 2025.
Cargo iQ Engagement: Participated in a two-day meeting in Geneva, contributing to updates on the Master Operating Plan and discussions on "Care Mapping" for sensitive cargo.
IATA Ground Operations Group: ASA World’s Training Committee collaborated in Montreal on topics like ISAGO, IGOM adoption, lithium-ion battery safety, and de-icing challenges, ensuring alignment with IATA’s strategic objectives.

Policy and Collaboration Efforts

Global Collaboration: ASA World has taken steps to enhance global best practices in ground handling by reinforcing its partnerships with key regional Associations worldwide. Recent collaborations with ASUK (UK), Abesata (Brazil), and CAHA (Caribbean) have allowed for the exchange of valuable insights and expertise, promoting standards that elevate safety, efficiency, and customer service in ground operations. These strengthened ties are set to foster a more unified approach across borders, ensuring that ground handling services worldwide meet the highest levels of quality and operational excellence.
Industry Declaration: Together with the constituents of the Industry Aviation Forum (amongst which TIACA, ACI, CANSO, etc..), ASA World co-signed a declaration emphasizing aviation’s $8 trillion economic impact, to be released at ICAO's 80th Anniversary of the Chicago Convention. Download here.
The Caribbean Aviation Handlers Association (CAHA), a regional chapter of ASA World, held its General Assembly on November 16th in Miami. Led by Chairwoman Carol Fox and ASA World Board member Michael Hancock, the event fostered invaluable discussions among Caribbean ground handlers. It concluded with a vibrant social gathering, with plans set for the next assembly in Nassau, Bahamas, in June 2025.
ASA World concluded a rewarding participation at the TIACA Forum, where Head of Commercial and Memberships, Thomas Konietzko, advocated for standards, safety, and employment in ground and cargo handling

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And More…

ASA World and Airport College International (AC) have signed a 3-year contract to provide discounted online aviation training solutions for members. Members can access AC's training courses at a 25% discount.
ASA World, in collaboration with Leo & Muhly Cyber Security Advisors, is currently organizing live sessions with five member companies providing ground handling services. These sessions aim to set the framework for a Cyber Security Standard for the Aviation Services Industry.
A New Identity for ASA World emphasizing its global reach and commitment to championing aviation services. The new name ensures clarity, strong post-COVID recognition, and aligns with its domain, www.asaworld.aero. The logo features a grey tone symbolizing airport tarmacs and an aircraft ready for takeoff, highlighting the essential role of ground handling in aviation.
Expanding Our Reach through Social Channels
With the aim to enhance brand visibility, connect more effectively with the audience including younger generations, and reinforce our industry and members voice, ASA World has expanded its communication channels. In addition to our main social channels, LinkedIn and Twitter, the Association will start using Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to broaden its reach.

ASA Leadership Forum (ALF) 2024 Recap

At the end of October, ASA World hosted the 3rd Annual Ground and Cargo Handling event, ALF 2024, in Istanbul, Türkiye, welcoming 784 attendees—a 32% increase from last year. The forum provided a platform for C-level ground and cargo handlers to tackle key industry challenges, fostering discussions on standards, innovation, and collaboration across the sector.

The event celebrated excellence in aviation services with the ALF Excellence Awards:

Personality of the Year: Trond-Jarle Lunde, Aviator Airport Alliance AB
GSE Provider of the Year: Vestergaard Company A/S
Special Award for Enhanced GSE: Qatar Aviation Services
Cargo Handling Agents of the Year: Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) & dnata
Ground Handler of the Year: Talma Servicios Aeroportuarios

Save the Date: ALF 2025

Mark your calendars for ALF 2025, scheduled for October 14–16 in Copenhagen, Denmark, as Kastrup Airport celebrates its 100th anniversary. We look forward to continuing this positive momentum and welcoming even more participants next year.

Left to right: Arturo Cassinelli, Director General of TALMA, Jan Klauer Caillaux, Commercial Director of TALMA Peru and Thomas Konietzko, ASA World Head of Commercial and Memberships

Welcome to ...

New Members

Tiger Aviation Services (TAS), with 25 years of expertise, is a leading aviation services provider in Egypt, offering comprehensive ground handling for all types of flights, including scheduled, charter, cargo, VIP, and more. Operating at most Egyptian airports, TAS delivers reliable, 24/7 support for passenger and cargo services, permits, fuel, catering, and worldwide assistance. Our longstanding industry relationships enable competitive pricing, and our extensive client base reflects our commitment to quality and reliability.

Airpro (November) is a Finnish aviation services provider operating at 11 airports, delivering comprehensive services across airport logistics, ground handling, cabin crew, and passenger assistance.

New Partner

Textron GSE is a manufacturer providing equipment for airlines, freight carriers, and airports through its TUG™, Douglas™, Premier™, and Safeaero™ brands. Their lineup includes pushbacks, baggage tractors, belt loaders, deicers, and air starts, manufactured in world-class facilities and supported by 17 global service locations.

Miles GSE (November): is a German-Turkish manufacturer of ground support equipment, offering customizable products like catering trucks, ambulifts, and passenger stairs.

The ASA World Annual General Meeting (AGM)

is scheduled to take place virtually on Thursday, 19 December 2024, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm CET. Members and partners have received the agenda and the conference link.

The Association will appoint or re-appoint one Supervisory Board (SB) member and nine Operating Board (OB) members.

For detailed roles and responsibilities of the SB and OB, please refer to Articles 4 and 5 of our Articles of Association.

GSE Usage Insights – Average Monthly Days & Daily Hours

Each month, ASA releases aggregate data of motorized GSE (mix) from airports across 15 European countries and 3 in Oceania, in partnership with Targa Telematics.

These insights, based on data collected through Targa Telematics’ tracking systems, provide an overview of average usage days per month and daily working hours. While not exhaustive, the data offers a valuable comparison of fleet performance year-over-year.

We aim to include data from other regions in the future to offer a broader view of GSE usage trends.

Europe (15 States): Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Germany, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden

APAC (6 States): Australia, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore

Did you know

Answer to the question in the previous "ASA Quarterly": The two ASA Chairmen right before Atilla Korkmazoğlu were Steve Allen (dnata) and Sally Leible (ATS/AGI).

Next question: The ground handling industry generated a turnover of US$ 64 billion globally in 2023. What percentage of the commercial aviation value chain does this represent?