International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called for the modernisation and digitalisation of ground handling operations to reduce aircraft damage incidents and improve efficiency across the aviation industry.
Speaking on the need to upgrade ground support equipment fleets, the Director of Ground Operations at International Air Transport Association, Monika Mejstrikova, described aircraft ground damage as one of the industry’s most persistent operational and financial risks.
“Aircraft ground damage is one of the most persistent operational and financial risks in ground handling, with more than 29,000 aircraft ground damage events reported in 2025,” Mejstrikova said.
She warned that the financial impact of such incidents would continue to rise as global aviation traffic expands.
According to Mejstrikova, industry modernisation must focus on both safety and sustainability through the adoption of enhanced and electric ground support equipment.
“Technology can help on both fronts. Two priorities are the transition to enhanced GSE and electric GSE,” she added.
International Air Transport Association said its Enhanced Ground Support Equipment Recognition Programme, launched in 2024 to encourage the use of anti-collision technology, has already attracted more than 450 applications.
The association disclosed that 187 stations have been validated under the initiative, while 75 stations have been formally recognised for reducing operational risks.
On sustainability, IATA noted that electric ground support equipment could reduce aircraft turnaround emissions by between 35 per cent and 52 per cent, depending on the equipment mix and electricity source.
The association added that it recently issued guidance to airports and ground handlers transitioning from fuel-powered equipment to electric fleets.
Addressing digitalisation challenges, Mejstrikova said fragmented systems, manual processes and delayed information sharing continue to undermine operational efficiency and safety.
“Too many ground handling processes still rely on disconnected systems, manual inputs, and delayed information,” she stated.
She explained that poor data integration contributes to misplaced baggage, aircraft loading errors and delayed risk identification.
IATA identified baggage handling, aircraft loading and de-icing operations as key areas where digital technologies can improve performance.
According to the association, the newly developed IATA Baggage Community System will enable airlines, airports and ground handlers to share real-time information on a unified platform to improve baggage visibility and coordination.
The organisation revealed that nearly 38,000 loading errors were recorded in 2025.
It added that the X565 data standard is helping modernise aircraft loading operations by replacing manual workflows with faster and more accurate digital systems.
Boeing is supporting the adoption of the X565 standard for the Boeing 737 aircraft, while Airbus has advanced implementation across the A320, A330 and A350 aircraft families, including future cargo aircraft variants.
IATA said airlines already using digital load control and reconciliation systems have reported reductions in loading errors exceeding 90 per cent, alongside fewer operational delays.
The association also highlighted improvements in de-icing and anti-icing operations through the De-Icing/Anti-Icing Quality Control Pool initiative, which strengthens operational oversight through better data sharing and industry-wide safety monitoring.
According to IATA, the programme is expanding globally, with the first major United States operator joining during the winter season and increased collaboration with China aimed at harmonising global safety standards.
