This year’s annual IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on integrating more sustainable practices into all aspects of ground handling operations, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revealed.
The 36th staging of the conference will be held in Reykjavik from May 7-9, and will be hosted by Icelandair.
Discussions will focus on achieving the industry’s net zero COE emissions by 2050 goal, talent retention and development, and strategic investments for long-term financial success.
“For aviation to grow its economic and social benefits, effective and more sustainable ground operations are crucial. By prioritising people, more sustainable operations, and financial resilience we are building a more robust ground handling sector. This year’s IGHC will be an important waypoint to align this important part of the value chain with the aviation sector’s efforts broad efforts to become more sustainable socially, environmentally and financially,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations.
IGHC will also feature a technical session for IATA to inform ground handling service providers about changes to the Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) programme and how it affects their accreditation and registration.
IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, and Bogi Nils Bogason, CEO, Icelandair will be speaking at the event. Other speakers include:
- Atilla Korkmazoğlu, President, Ground Handling & Cargo, Celebi, and ASA chair
- Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation
- Archana Arcot, Chief People Officer, Unifi
Session tracks will cover:
- Transitioning to electric Ground Service Equipment
- Innovating on the ramp
- Regulating for safety
- Training in ground operations sustainability
- Real time baggage tracking
- Strengthening service level agreements
- Improving People sustainability in ground handling
