Ahead of summer travels, IATA tasks ground handlers on workforce, others

THE International Air Transport Association ( IATA) has urged groundhandling companies to prioritise effectively staff recruitment and retention, consistent implementation of global standards, and automation of operations. IATA, the clearinghouse for over 290 world airlines, said the three priorities would build resilience and ensure long- term sustainability. At the 35th IA TA Ground Handling Conference ( IGHC), in Abu Dhabi, recently, IATA’S Director of Ground Operations, Monika Mejstrikova, predicted a busy summer travel season for the a viation industry, and the ground- handling sector would need to be ready.

Mejstrikova said: “Shortterm, we must act fast to prepare for increased traffic. Ensuring efficient onboarding of new employees and working with governments to reduce bottlenecks in security clearances is critical.

“Longer- term, more effective staff recruitment and retention, implementing global standards and accelerating digitalisation and automation will be critical to build resilience and ensure sustainability,” she said.

A recent IATA survey found that 37 per cent of ground handling professionals anticipated st affing shortages until the end of 2023 and beyond, and 60 per cent felt they didn't have enough qualified staff to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, 27 per cent of respondents feared that their current emplo yees would leave soon.

“Creating a stable ground handling talent base is essential. And it can be achieved by making ramp work more attractive. W e need to embrace automation to relieve staff from difficult and hazardous tasks, foster a culture of continuous learning and career growth and create a safe and inclusive environment for people where talents are nurtured,” Mejstrikova said. IATA outlined a series of initiatives to help alleviate labor shortages: Implementation of competency- based training, with more online assessments to improve speed and efficiency

Mutual recognitio n of security training and emplo yee background records among authorities, to expedite the recruitment process and reduce redundancy. Automation of processes to relieve people from performing physically challenging tasks