- ministers have agreed 10 areas for the aviation industry to
focus on to address the issues with ground handling at airports
seen last summer
- aim to help the aviation industry to rebuild its strength and
resilience, so they can deliver for passengers for years to come
- follows an in-depth review of how the ground handling
industry works and wide-ranging consultation with industry
The government has today (30 March 2023) set out 10 areas for the aviation
industry to focus on to ensure airport ground operations get back
to full capacity and avoid a repeat of the travel disruption
seen last summer.
It concludes its review of the ground handling market, which the
government committed to as part of its wider 22-point plan for
tackling aviation disruption last June.
The report finds that staffing shortages were a major factor in
last summer’s disruption, with ground handlers struggling to
recruit enough staff in time for the peak travel season after
coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions were lifted and facing issues
with onboarding processes.
Aviation Minister said:
The misery passengers faced last year when their flights were
severely delayed or cancelled at the last minute was simply
unacceptable.
We’ve made it clear that improvements can and must be made, so
the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are working closely with
the industry to build a resilient ground handler market for years
to come.
Since then, the aviation industry has made significant progress
to improve its resilience. To ensure this progress continues, the
government has also proposed:
- further exploration of how to improve how ground handlers’
performance is measured and monitored
- better engagement between ground handlers and the government,
including through the new Aviation Services UK trade association
- continued support from the government and industry’s flagship
Generation Aviation
programme for recruitment, retention, upskilling and outreach
- establishing a series of working groups involving airports,
airlines and ground handlers to address areas including airport
ID processes and performance standards
Ground handlers undertake several activities including baggage
handling, check in, catering and refuelling. But last year as the
industry began its recovery, companies were unable to meet
demand.
Shortages of staff at airports, including drops in ground handler
performance, had a domino effect on the rest of airport
operations, causing delays and last-minute cancellations for
passengers around the country.
While the aviation industry operates in the private sector, and
is responsible for managing demand and resourcing, passengers
should have confidence the government is doing everything it can
to help ahead of this summer season. With Baroness Vere meeting
industry representatives to discuss Easter preparedness last
week, it’s important that both the private sector and the
government move in lockstep.
By focusing on these areas, the aviation industry, the government
and CAA can build a
sector that provides a world-leading service for passengers long
into the future.
