Ground Handling – Why It’s Critical to Flight Success
In aviation, ground handling is often the unsung hero of operational efficiency. It doesn’t make headlines, but it plays a pivotal role in ensuring aircraft arrives and departs safely, on time, and with satisfied passengers and crew. For flight operators—whether commercial, private, or cargo—the quality of ground handling can make or break a mission.
At Aviation Services Management (ASM), we’ve built our ground handling offering on precision, reliability, and a global network that spans 3,000+ locations. Here’s why it matters—and why so many operators around the world choose ASM as their trusted ground partner.
What Is Ground Handling?
Ground handling refers to the comprehensive services performed on an aircraft while it is on the ground, including:
- Aircraft marshalling and parking – Ground personnel use hand signals and visual aids to guide aircraft safely to and from parking stands. Proper marshalling ensures clear communication with pilots and prevents collisions or misalignment on the ramp.
- Baggage and cargo loading/unloading – Trained staff handle passenger luggage, crew bags, and cargo with care, ensuring they’re loaded efficiently and in accordance with weight and balance requirements. This step is crucial for safety and flight performance.
- Passenger boarding/disembarkation – Whether via jet bridge or air stairs, passengers are guided on and off the aircraft smoothly and securely. This process includes assistance for VIPs, elderly travellers, or those with reduced mobility when required.
- Refueling coordination – Ground handlers coordinate with fuel providers to ensure the aircraft is fueled quickly and safely according to operational requirements. Timely refueling helps avoid delays and maintains fuel efficiency.
- Aircraft cleaning and restocking – Between flights, the aircraft cabin is cleaned, lavatories serviced, and amenities such as snacks, magazines, in-flight items are restocked. This ensures a clean, comfortable environment for passengers and crew.
- Lavatory and Potable Water Services – Ground teams safely empty and sanitize the aircraft lavatory system and refill potable (drinkable) water tanks. These services are essential for maintaining hygiene and comfort onboard, especially for long-haul or turnaround flights.
- Crew transfer and accommodation support – Ground handling includes arranging crew transport between the aircraft, terminals, and hotels. It also involves securing suitable accommodation to ensure crew rest and compliance with duty time regulations.
- Coordination of airside and landside services – This involves managing the flow of services both on the ramp (airside) and in terminal or administrative areas (landside)—like customs, immigration, catering delivery, and VIP ground transport.
- Pushback and towing – Using specialized vehicles, the aircraft is either pushed back from the gate or towed to a new position for departure or parking. This operation must be handled precisely to avoid aircraft or equipment damage.
In short, it’s everything that happens between landing and take-off—and every second counts.
Why Is Ground Handling So Critical?
- Time = Money
Delays in turnaround can lead to missed slots, fines, and cascading flight disruptions. Efficient ground handling shaves off precious minutes and keeps your flight on schedule. - Safety & Compliance
Each ground operation must meet strict international safety standards. Proper handling helps mitigate risks and ensures compliance with airport and civil aviation regulations. - Passenger & Crew Experience
A smooth ground operation—from timely baggage delivery to crew pickups—elevates your brand reputation and leaves a lasting impression on clients. - Operational Coordination
Ground handling is often where multiple services—fueling, catering, permits, supervision—converge. Having a single provider who coordinates everything can dramatically reduce errors.
Why ASM Is the Ground Handling Partner You Can Trust
- Global Reach with Local Precision
With access to over 3,000 service locations across 86 countries, ASM brings unmatched coverage. Whether you’re landing in a Tier-1 capital city or a remote airstrip, our vetted partners and local experts deliver consistent, top-tier service. - Onsite Supervision
For high-profile flights or time-sensitive operations, ASM can provide on-ground flight supervisors who ensure every detail—from aircraft parking to crew transport—is executed flawlessly. - 24/7 Operational Control Center
Our dedicated ops team works around the clock to coordinate handlers, resolve last-minute issues, and provide real-time updates to your dispatch and flight crew. - Trained & Insured Handlers
Safety is non-negotiable. We work only with handlers who are fully trained, insured, and certified to manage your specific aircraft type, be it a wide-body jet or a mid-size business aircraft. - Integrated Services
ASM doesn’t just handle your ground needs—we integrate fueling, flight planning, permits, HOTAC, catering, and concierge into one seamless solution. One call. One contact. Total control.
Your Flight Deserves a Flawless Ground Experience
When the wheels touch down, ASM goes to work. From the moment your aircraft enters our care to the time it takes off again, we ensure efficiency, safety, and excellence at every step.
Whether you’re managing a single flight or a fleet, our ground handling solutions are tailored, proactive, and dependable.
For Ground Handling Services, Contact ASM
📩 Email: sales@asm.aero
📞 Phone: +971 4 409 7755
🌐 Website: www.asm.aero