Ground Handling Overview

Ground handling is where the flight schedule meets the airport environment. A controlled turnaround depends on clear service confirmation, timely ramp support, accurate passenger and cargo coordination, and active follow-up while the aircraft is on the ground.

Overflight permit coordination

Block permits for recurring operations

Landing permit applications

Short-notice clearance support where feasible

PPR and airport-level approvals

Alignment with planning, fuel and ground handling

24/7

Turnaround coordination desk

RAMP

Aircraft, passenger and baggage handling

ON-SITE

Supervised handling where required

CARGO

Main-deck and belly-hold handling support

Airport availability and handling arrangements are confirmed for each movement.

Ground Handling Services We Coordinate

Each movement is reviewed against aircraft type, airport conditions, passenger or cargo profile, service requirements and the level of supervision needed.

Aircraft Handling Coordination

Coordination of aircraft ground services through local handlers based on the operation and airport environment.

• Marshalling, parking and ramp positioning
• GPU, ACU, stairs and related aircraft services
• Aircraft documentation and service confirmation

Passenger Handling Support

Passenger movement aligned with the aircraft schedule, terminal process and operator requirements.

• Check-in and boarding coordination
• Terminal-to-aircraft transport where required
• Special passenger assistance coordination

Baggage Handling Coordination

Support for timely baggage loading, unloading, transfer and reconciliation through the appointed handler.

• Bag-to-flight matching follow-up
• Baggage timing against turnaround plan
• Issue escalation when discrepancies appear

Cargo Handling Coordination

Cargo support coordinated with attention to documentation, loading requirements, manifest alignment and timing.

• Belly-hold and main-deck cargo coordination
• Manifest, weight and documentation follow-up
• Oversight for complex, high-value or time-sensitive cargo

Fuel and Service Timing

Fuel uplift timing connected to the wider ground sequence so departure readiness is not affected by disconnected service planning.

• Fuel grade, quantity and uplift timing coordination
• Alignment with flight planning and dispatch needs
• Escalation of uplift changes or timing concerns

Turnaround Supervision

Where supervision is required, ASM can support service monitoring and structured post-turnaround reporting.

• Handler briefing and service progress tracking
• Issue logging, escalation and action tracking
• Post-turnaround notes for operator visibility

From Arrival Setup to Departure Readiness

Ground handling support works best when the sequence is confirmed before arrival and monitored while the aircraft is on the ground. ASM keeps the handler, operator and related service desks aligned through the movement.

01

Requirement Review

Airport, aircraft, schedule, passengers, baggage, cargo and service needs are reviewed.

02

Handler Confirmation

Local handler capability, equipment, documents and timing are checked before arrival.

03

Arrival Setup

Ramp services, passenger flow, baggage, cargo and fuel timing are aligned.

04

Turnaround Watch

Service progress is followed against the planned departure sequence.

05

Closeout

Service completion, discrepancies and operational notes are documented where supervision applies.

When Operators Use Ground Handling Supervision

Ground handling supervision is useful when the mission requires additional airport-level visibility, faster escalation or structured reporting.

✓ Complex or first-time operations at unfamiliar stations

✓ VVIP, government, charter or sensitive passenger movements

✓ Cargo, high-value, time-critical or special handling requirements

✓ Short turnarounds with multiple service dependencies

✓ Operations where post-turnaround reporting is required

Details to Share With ASM

Providing the right details early helps the team review the requirement and coordinate with the appointed handler more efficiently.

✓ Airport and scheduled arrival/departure time

✓ Aircraft type, registration and operation type

✓ Passenger count, baggage details and VIP requirements

✓ Cargo type, weight, manifest notes and special handling needs

✓ Fuel, catering, cleaning, transport or additional services

✓ Whether on-site supervision or reporting is required

From Arrival Setup to Departure Readiness

Ground handling support works best when the sequence is confirmed before arrival and monitored while the aircraft is on the ground. ASM keeps the handler, operator and related service desks aligned through the movement.

Support Area	Main Focus	Typical Use Case
Aircraft Handling	Ramp positioning, equipment, aircraft services and documentation	Routine, charter, cargo and private aviation turnarounds
Passenger Handling	Check-in, boarding, transfers and special assistance	Private, VVIP, charter, corporate and group movements
Baggage Handling	Baggage movement, timing and reconciliation follow-up	Passenger flights, VIP travel and multi-sector itineraries
Cargo Handling	Loading, offloading, manifest, weight and documentation alignment	Cargo, time-critical freight and special cargo movements
Turnaround Supervision	Service monitoring, escalation, closeout and reporting	Complex, high-priority, first-time or short-turn operations