Sofema Aviation Services Announces EASA’s New Regulatory Proposal for European Ground Handling

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – Opinion No 01/2024 concerning EASA Regulation of European Ground Handling Entities

Sofema Aviation Services is excited to announce the latest initiative by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – Opinion No 01/2024. This significant development, documented in a comprehensive 59-page ISO 9001-certified report, represents a major step forward in the regulations of ground handling (GH) services within the European Union. The initiative is per Article 76(1) of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and aims to elevate the safety, cybersecurity, efficiency, and harmonization of ground-handling services across Europe. The new Opinion marks a pivotal moment in aviation safety, targeting approximately 300,000 workers in the ground handling sector, one of the most substantial segments of aviation employees.

Key Highlights of the Opinion:

1. Introduction of New EU Regulation on Ground Handling: This proposal brings forth a specialized regulation for ground handling services, including self-handling by aircraft operators. Its primary goal is to create uniformity for all organizations offering these services throughout Europe.
2. Amendments to Existing Regulations: The opinion proposes modifications to several existing regulations, namely:
   • Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 on-air operations
   • Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 on aerodromes
   • Regulation (EU) 2022/1645 on information security
3. Regulatory Framework Implementation: The proposal suggests a scalable management system tailored to the operational size and complexity. This framework includes:
   • Management of safety and safety culture
   • Training for ground handling personnel
   • Maintenance program for ground support equipment
   • General operational requirements for ground handling services
4. Acceptance of Industry Standards: A novel approach is suggested for accepting industry standards in the GH sector. These will be adopted voluntarily playing a critical role in standardizing GH operational procedures across Europe.
5. Declaration Regime for Service Provision: The provision of GH services will now follow a ‘sign-and-start’ system, eliminating the need for prior approval from authorities.
6. Cooperative Oversight: Emphasizing cooperative oversight by competent authorities, this approach is vital for efficient supervision of pan-European organizations, providing GH services.
7. Mutual Exchange of Safety Information: The opinion advocates for amendments that facilitate the sharing of safety- relevant information among various stakeholders.
8. Inclusion in Regulation (EU) 2022/1645: The proposal includes the ground handling domain within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2022/1645 on security management.
9. Impact on Safety: The new regulations are designed to enhance flight safety through a consistent feedback loop on safety reports, shared understanding of safety risks, and assessment of mitigation measures.

Stakeholder Implications:

This announcement signifies a critical advancement in the safety and operational standards of ground handling services within the European aviation industry. The proposed changes reflect EASA’s unwavering commitment to the continual enhancement and harmonization of aviation safety standards across the EU. Stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to refer to the latest edition of EPAS Volume II for detailed information and updates.

The ground handling Regulation is expected to be published in late 2024 or early 2025. The Opinion proposes a transition period of three years for implementation after the publication of the Regulation.

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