Aircraft ground handling covers the services required while an aircraft is on the ground, from arrival and parking through servicing, passenger or cargo handling and departure. Operators align the handler’s scope with the wider flight-support plan, including fuel, permits, slots and schedule changes. Aviation Services Management (ASM) coordinates these arrangements through local handling providers.
What is included in aircraft ground handling?
The scope varies by aircraft, airport and flight type. It may include marshalling, parking, passenger steps, baggage, ground power, cabin servicing, water and lavatory service, pushback, towing, de-icing, passenger or crew assistance and coordination with fuel, catering and CIQ providers.
| Turnaround stage | Typical confirmations |
|---|---|
| Before arrival | Handler acceptance, parking, slot/PPR, equipment and CIQ |
| On blocks | Marshalling, chocks, steps, baggage and passenger movement |
| Servicing | Fuel, catering, cleaning, water, lavatory and ground power |
| Before departure | Load status, documents, pushback or start approval and slot readiness |
How is ground handling different from flight support?
Ground handling is focused on the aircraft’s activity at an airport. Flight support has a wider scope and may coordinate the route, permits, flight plan, fuel, handling, crew logistics and disruptions across several stations.
What should operators confirm before arrival?
- Handler acceptance and 24/7 contact details
- Parking, slot and PPR status
- Aircraft dimensions and required GSE
- Passenger, crew, baggage or cargo requirements
- Customs, immigration and quarantine arrangements
- Fuel grade, quantity and release
- Catering, transport, HOTAC or special assistance
- Departure sequence and any curfew or operating-hour limits
Why does handler choice matter?
A handler must be able to support the aircraft type and complete scope at the required time. The lowest quoted price may exclude essential equipment, overtime, airport fees or third-party services. Operators should compare scope, exclusions, response time and local operating capability.
How are turnaround changes managed?
Changes should be sent to the handler and the wider support team as one operational update. A delay may alter parking, fuel delivery, CIQ availability, crew duty or the departure slot. When fuel timing or quantity changes, ask the fuel supplier to reconfirm the release and delivery window; see ASM’s aviation fuel supply service for the commercial and uplift steps. Confirm the revised service sequence rather than changing only one booking.
How should operators compare ground handling quotations?
Send each provider the same aircraft, schedule and service brief. Request a breakdown separating the basic handling charge from equipment, airport fees, parking, overtime and third-party services. Ask whether ground power, passenger steps, towing or cabin servicing are included, charged per use or subject to a time allowance.
Specify the expected turnaround and any overnight stay. Confirm when additional charges begin, how cancellation or aircraft substitution is treated and who may authorise extra services. If a supplier describes an item as “on request,” obtain a separate capability and price confirmation before including it in the operating plan.
For cargo movements, share individual piece weights and dimensions with the handler. Confirm equipment suitability against the operator’s requirements, rather than relying on a general statement that cargo handling is available. Our cargo flight support guide explains the information needed for a station review.
What belongs in the turnaround handover?
Use a brief status record showing the arrival and departure schedule, confirmed services, pending items, responsible contacts and the next update time. Distinguish a request sent to a supplier from a service that the supplier has acknowledged. Record changes against the current flight reference so the crew, handler and support desk use the same version.
At completion, collect the agreed service records and identify any extras, delays or discrepancies for review. This makes invoice reconciliation easier and gives the operator useful evidence when reviewing station performance. Where requested, onsite flight supervision can support communication and reporting during the turnaround; the local handler and operator retain their respective responsibilities.
Ground handling FAQs
Is an FBO the same as a ground handler?
Not always. An FBO may provide a passenger facility and some handling services, while a ground handler may focus on ramp and aircraft support. The local structure varies.
Does handler confirmation include parking?
Not automatically. Parking, slots and PPR should be confirmed separately where required.
Can one handler support every aircraft type?
No. Equipment, approvals and capability vary by station and aircraft.
What changes during a diversion?
Handling must be reconfirmed for the alternate airport, aircraft and revised schedule, subject to airport acceptance and local availability.
Reviewed September 2026. Airport services and restrictions must be reconfirmed for every movement.
For the commercial coordination scope, see ASM’s ground-handling service.
Keep Your Flight Operations Moving Worldwide
From flight planning and permits to ground handling, aviation fuel, diversion support and crew logistics, ASM coordinates the operational requirements surrounding every sector through 24/7 global support.