Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) Considers Key Features of the forthcoming ground handling regulatory changes
The primary regulatory drivers for ground handling including safety introduced by EASA under Opinion No 01/2024 address critical operational areas:
- Under the proposed Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 Ground Handling organisations shall:
>> introduce a management system developed and implemented by ground handling organisations;
>> should be proportionate, scalable to the size and complexity of their organisation and activities, and;
>> should cover the management of safety, management of changes, safety reporting;
>> training of personnel, records and documentation;
>> maintenance of ground support equipment used;
>> identification of safety-related interfaces with other stakeholders involved in ground handling activities;
>> operational procedures, and;
>> compliance monitoring.
Ground Handling Operations Regulatory Framework
The introduction of a comprehensive EASA regulatory framework for ground handling operations fundamentally transforms safety oversight from fragmented national practices to a unified, risk-based European approach.
Ground handling organizations are now required to make substantial investments in Safety Management Systems, cybersecurity infrastructure, training programs, equipment maintenance, and operational procedures.
Organizations embracing ISAGO audits and demonstrating alignment with global industry practices (IGOM, AHM) will benefit from streamlined regulatory oversight, reduced administrative burdens, and potentially fewer regulatory audits.
Regulators and NAAs must now develop their oversight capacities, enhancing collaboration and leveraging complementary audit tools such as ISAGO to maximize resource efficiency.
Ground Handling SMS – Ground handling organisations will be mandated to implement a Safety Management System tailored to their scale and complexity.
- This includes fostering a positive safety culture, systematic hazard identification, and risk management processes.
- Organizations will need to ensure appropriate staff training, maintain robust safety documentation, and demonstrate continuous improvement in safety management practices.
Maintenance of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)
The same Delegated Regulation requires ground handling service providers to establish formal maintenance programs for all Ground Support Equipment (GSE). These programs must detail procedures to ensure equipment remains operationally safe, reliable, and compliant with relevant technical standards.
Standardized Operational Procedures
Ground handling organizations will be required to produce detailed operational manuals aligned with international best practices, including ICAO standards, IATA’s Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), and the Airport Handling Manual (AHM).
- This alignment ensures harmonization with globally recognized standards, thus improving interoperability and overall safety.
Cybersecurity and Information Security
Under the Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/22, building upon existing Regulation (EU) 2022/1645, ground handling service providers will be required to implement robust Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). This requirement is intended to mitigate cybersecurity threats, protect sensitive operational information, and ensure resilience against cyber incidents.
Oversight Harmonization
The Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23 defines clear oversight responsibilities, cooperative oversight mechanisms, and enforcement standards for National Aviation Authorities (NAAs). This aims to create consistent regulatory oversight across the EU, ensuring uniform safety standards regardless of location.
Declaration-based Regulatory Regime
Under Opinion No 01/2024, ground handling operators can initiate their activities through a declaration regime without the need for prior approval from authorities. However, they must comply fully with the new safety and operational requirements and remain subject to rigorous oversight and periodic inspections from national authorities.
Implementation Timelines
The timeline of significant regulatory developments is clearly defined:
- January 2024: EASA published Opinion No 01/2024, proposing comprehensive regulatory changes.
- March 2025: Official publication of adopted regulations.
- 2025–2028: Transition period for industry-wide compliance with new safety management and oversight requirements.
- 2028 onwards: Full mandatory compliance with EASA regulatory requirements, marking a critical shift in oversight responsibilities and industry practices.
EASA has proposed a transitional period of up to three years from the publication date for organizations to fully comply with these new regulations. This implies a compliance horizon by approximately 2028, giving organizations time to implement required changes and achieve full regulatory alignment.
The Role of ISAGO within the EASA Framework
The IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) plays a significant complementary role within EASA’s regulatory environment, although it is explicitly not mandated by the new EASA regulations.
- ISAGO is recognized by EASA as a valuable audit program—though it is distinct from industry standards such as IGOM or IS-BAH, which provide operational best practices.
- Unlike these standards, ISAGO specifically provides audit methodologies and detailed oversight protocols to measure compliance and operational safety.
The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM): Your Go-To Guide for Standardized Ground Handling Procedures
The IGOM is a comprehensive manual that covers core ground handling disciplines, including:
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Passenger handling
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Baggage handling
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Aircraft loading and unloading
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Aircraft movement on the ramp
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Servicing (fueling, catering, potable water, lavatories)
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De-icing/anti-icing
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Turnaround coordination
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Safety management procedures
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Emergency response procedures
Each section of IGOM outlines Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that include:
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Step-by-step instructions
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Safety precautions
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Personnel requirements
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Communication protocols
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Equipment standards
IGOM is continuously updated and published annually to reflect:
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New technologies
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Regulatory changes (e.g., ICAO Annex 6, 14, 19)
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Lessons learned from incidents and industry feedback
Under the new EASA framework, National Aviation Authorities (NAAs) will be encouraged to leverage credible audit results from ISAGO when conducting their oversight activities.
- Given the often-limited resources and inspection capacities of many European regulatory bodies, ISAGO audits can substantially streamline the oversight process.
- Audit findings from ISAGO can help authorities target areas of potential risk, reduce duplication of efforts, and facilitate a more risk-based approach to regulatory oversight.
Note – Thus, while ISAGO does not substitute mandatory regulatory compliance, it enhances and supports the EASA regulatory oversight approach by providing detailed, credible assessments of ground handling organizations.
Next Steps
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Ground Handling, Regulatory Requirements, Documentation, Safety Reporting, SAS blogs, stakeholders, key features, Ground Handling Regulatory, EASA's Key Regulatory Drivers, Timescales, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20, organisations, management of safety, management of changes, training of personnel
