Ground Handling Services
Aircraft Handling & Turnaround Support
What Is Ground Handling?
Ground handling covers all the physical services provided to an aircraft, its passengers, baggage, and cargo during a ground stop — from aircraft marshalling and parking to passenger boarding, baggage loading, cargo operations, fuelling coordination, and departure clearance. Reliable, well-coordinated ground handling is essential to on-time performance, safety, and the overall experience for both operators and passengers at every airport worldwide.
ASM arranges and coordinates ground handling globally through its direct network of trusted, vetted local ground handlers — providing operators with a single point of coordination rather than the complexity of managing multiple airport-by-airport relationships. Ground handling quality varies considerably between airports and regions, which is why ASM maintains direct contracts with reliable local handlers and, where operators require it, can also deploy on-site representatives to provide ground handling supervision.
What ASM’s Ground Handling Service Covers
Aircraft Handling
ASM coordinates all aircraft ground services through its local handler network: towing, parking, ground power (GPU) connection, air conditioning (ACU), marshalling, and aircraft documentation. Where supervision is required, ASM representatives confirm each service is delivered on time and to the required technical standard.
Passenger Handling
ASM coordinates check-in, boarding management, passenger transport between terminal and aircraft, and special passenger assistance (PRM — Persons with Reduced Mobility) through its local handling partners. Passenger movements are aligned with the turnaround schedule, and on-site representatives can be deployed to ensure standards are met where operators require direct oversight.
Baggage Handling
ASM’s local handling partners manage baggage loading, unloading, transfer, and reconciliation. Load documentation accuracy, correct bag-to-flight matching, and completion of all baggage movements before departure are standard requirements across ASM’s handler network — verified by on-site representatives when supervision is included in the service.
Cargo Handling
ASM coordinates belly-hold and main-deck cargo loading and offloading through its handler network, covering documentation review, weight and balance compliance verification, and dangerous goods status confirmation. All cargo movements are checked against the manifest before departure, with on-site oversight available when operators require it for high-value or complex cargo operations.
Fuelling Coordination
ASM liaises with fuel suppliers through its local handler and fuel network to confirm the correct fuel grade, quantity, and timing of uplift. Any discrepancy between the planned and actual fuel uplift is flagged immediately to the operator and dispatcher, whether coordination is managed remotely or through an on-site representative.
Turnaround Management & Reporting
ASM coordinates the overall turnaround schedule — briefing local handlers, tracking progress against time targets, managing service dependencies, and coordinating the departure sequence. At completion, a detailed handling report is submitted to the operator covering all services, timings, discrepancies, and actions taken. This reporting capability is available as part of ASM’s ground handling supervision service when on-site operator representation is required.
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FAQs - Ground Handling Services
Q: What is ground handling in aviation?
A: Ground handling in aviation covers all the physical services provided to an aircraft during a ground stop — including aircraft marshalling and parking, passenger check-in and boarding, baggage loading and unloading, cargo handling, fuelling coordination, aircraft cleaning, technical checks, and all associated documentation. Ground handling is coordinated by specialist local handling agents, which ASM arranges and manages through its direct global network of trusted handlers on behalf of operators.
Q: How does ASM arrange ground handling for operators?
A: ASM coordinates ground handling through its direct network of verified, trusted local ground handlers at airports worldwide. Operators work with ASM as a single point of contact — ASM manages the handler relationship, confirms service requirements, coordinates scheduling, and ensures the correct services are in place before each operation. Where operators also require on-site representation, ASM can provide ground handling supervision as an additional service.
Q: What airports does ASM’s ground handling network cover?
A: ASM’s ground handling network covers airports across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Coverage is maintained through direct contracts and established relationships with trusted local handlers at a wide range of airports — from major international hubs to regional and secondary airports. Contact the ASM operations team to confirm specific airport coverage for a planned operation.
Q: What is ground handling supervision, and when is it needed?
A: Ground handling supervision is an additional service where ASM deploys an on-site representative to oversee the ground handling operation directly — monitoring service delivery, managing the turnaround schedule, and submitting a detailed handling report to the operator at the end of each turn. It is typically used when an operator requires direct oversight at a specific airport, during high-priority or complex operations, or for VVIP and government movements that require enhanced service accountability.
Q: What does ASM’s handling report include?
A: When ground handling supervision is included, ASM’s post-turnaround handling report covers: all services provided and their timing, any discrepancies noted during the turnaround, actions taken to resolve discrepancies, fuel uplift confirmation, passenger and baggage counts, and any operational observations relevant to the operator. This report is provided at the end of each supervised ground stop.
Q: What insurance does ASM carry for ground handling services?
A: ASM carries comprehensive liability insurance for all ground handling activities — valued at USD 1.5 million per occurrence. This coverage applies across ASM’s ground handling service, including both coordinated handler arrangements and supervised operations.
Q: Does ASM coordinate ground handling for cargo operations?
A: Yes. ASM’s ground handling service covers cargo operations — including belly-hold and main-deck cargo loading, documentation review, weight-and-balance compliance, and dangerous goods confirmation. On-site supervision for cargo operations is also available when operators require direct oversight of loading and offloading at specific airports.
Q: Can ASM coordinate ground handling for VVIP and government flights?
A: Yes. ASM coordinates enhanced ground handling for VVIP, government, and high-priority passenger movements through its verified local handler network — including specific service protocols and security coordination. On-site supervision can also be provided for these operations when operator representation is required at the airport.
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Email: sales@asm.aero | Call: +971 4 409 7755 | WeChat: ASMDXB
