Aviation industry group the International Air Transport Association (IATA) will focus on the future role of technology to improve safety, operational efficiency and sustainability of airline ground handling services at its 35th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) in Abu Dhabi.
The conference runs from May 16-18, with Etihad Airways acting as host airline.
“Passenger and air cargo traffic are close to pre-pandemic levels. Efficient ground operations are essential to meet the scaling-up of demand. Unfortunately, the ground handling sector continues to face operational, recruitment and retention challenges following the greatest aviation downturn in history. This year’s IGHC will explore how these can be overcome and how technology can be implemented to improve efficiency, increase compliance with global standards and improve safety and environmental performance,” said Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s director of ground operations.
Antonoaldo Neves CEO, Etihad Airways, will deliver an opening keynote address.
“We are delighted to host the 35th IATA Ground Handling Conference and welcome the aviation industry to our home, Abu Dhabi. The aviation industry is a complex and interconnected ecosystem with collaboration at its heart. The conference will allow industry leaders to join forces and discuss implementing global standards and adopting new technologies while ensuring customer safety as the top priority,” said Mr Neves.
