Introduction
The aviation ground handling sector is undergoing a fundamental shift from industry self-regulation to mandatory EU safety compliance. The introduction of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23 establishes a comprehensive EASA framework governing Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs).
This 2-day intensive training program provides an in-depth, high-level understanding of this new regulatory landscape. It is specifically designed to support organizations in navigating the critical transition timelines – including the Declaration of Capability submission by March 2027 and full regulatory compliance by March 2028.
The curriculum seamlessly integrates EASA mandates with established ICAO standards (Doc 10121) and IATA frameworks (IGOM, ISAGO, AHM). Delegates will gain a robust understanding of Authority Requirements (Part-ARGH), Organization Requirements (Part-ORGH), Ground Handling Operations (Part-GH.OPS), and the implementation of a scalable Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure a smooth, compliant, and operationally efficient transition.
Who is the course for?
This training is specifically designed for:
- Accountable Managers and Nominated Persons within Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs) and Airlines.
- Quality, Safety, and Compliance Monitoring Managers responsible for the transition to EASA Part-ORGH requirements.
- National Aviation Authority (NAA) Inspectors and Auditors transitioning to Part-ARGH risk-based oversight.
- Ground Operations Managers, Turnaround Coordinators, and Station Managers.
- GSE Maintenance Managers and Training Managers responsible for personnel competence (CBTA).
- Aviation professionals seeking a thorough understanding of the integration between EASA regulations and IATA/ICAO standards.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
Attending this course will provide delegates with the following benefits:
- A comprehensive understanding of the new EASA ground handling regulations (EU 2025/20 and 2025/23) and their direct interface with global industry standards.
- The ability to navigate the exact scope of Part-ORGH, manage exclusions, and confidently execute the Declaration of Capability submission process.
- Practical insights into developing a scalable Safety Management System (SMS), managing fatigue risk, and overcoming barriers to foster a robust Just Culture.
- Essential knowledge to construct an actionable transition roadmap, manage alternative means of compliance (AltMoC), and mitigate administrative bottlenecks ahead of regulatory deadlines.
- Clarity on multi-operator interface management, safe turnaround coordination, and upcoming Information Security (Part-IS) requirements for digital platforms.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1:
Session 1
- The EASA Regulatory Framework & Global Interfaces
- Shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance.
- The relationship between EASA, ICAO (Doc 10121), and IATA (ISAGO, IGOM).
- Roles of Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs), National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), and airlines.
Session 2
- Regulation (EU) 2025/23: Authority Requirements (Part-ARGH)
- NAA allocation of responsibilities and risk-based oversight.
- Cooperative oversight and cross-border coordination for multi-base operators.
- Management of findings (Level 1 & 2), enforcement, and corrective actions (ARGH.OVS.325).
Session 3
- Regulation (EU) 2025/20: Industry Requirements & Declarations
- Scope of Part-ORGH and exclusions (e.g., marshalling, flight dispatch, load control).
- The Declaration of Capability: Submission process and the March 2027 timeline.
- Establishing formal arrangements with aerodrome operators prior to operation (ORGH.GEN.115).
Session 4
- Ground Handling Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Part 1
- Scalable SMS implementation (ORGH.MGM.200) and the Accountable Manager’s role.
- Developing a formalized Safety Policy and defining safety objectives.
- Hazard identification and safety risk assessment in ground operations.
Session 5
- SMS – Part 2, Just Culture, and Fatigue Management
- Mandatory and voluntary safety reporting under Regulation (EU) 376/2014.
- Fostering a non-punitive “Just Culture” and overcoming reporting barriers.
- Fatigue risk management, working hours, and shift planning controls.
Session 6
- Compliance, Audits, and Documentation
- Establishing internal compliance monitoring and audit scheduling.
- Ground Handling Manual (GHM) creation, record-keeping (Subpart DOC), and managing Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC).
Day 2:
Session 7
- Personnel Training and Competence (Subpart TRG)
- Establishing a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA).
- Initial, recurrent, and refresher training for safety-relevant personnel (ORGH.TRG.100).
- Dangerous goods training protocols (ORGH.TRG.110).
Session 8
- GSE Maintenance & Interface Management
- Subpart GSE maintenance programs, defect reporting, and equipment pooling (ORGH.GSE.105).
- Safety interfaces with aerodromes (Regulation (EU) 2025/21) and air operators (Regulation (EU) 2025/24).
Session 9
- Part-GH.OPS: Turnaround Coordination and Apron Safety
- Turnaround coordination roles (GH.OPS.400) and multi-operator interface management.
- Aircraft arrival, departure, and securing on the ground (GH.OPS.405, 410, 430).
- Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline and 360-degree walkarounds.
Session 10
- Part-GH.OPS: Specialized Ground Handling Activities
- Baggage, passenger, cargo/mail handling, and aircraft loading (GH.OPS.415).
- Aircraft servicing, including refueling, de-icing/anti-icing, potable water, and toilet servicing.
Session 11
- Cybersecurity (Part-IS) and Management of Change (MoC)
- Information Security Management Systems (Regulation (EU) 2025/22) for digital platforms and automated GSE (applicable March 2031).
- MoC processes for introducing new stations, equipment, or organizational structures (ORGH.GEN.130).
Session 12
- Transition Strategy, Bottlenecks, and Action Planning
- Overcoming SME administrative burdens, high staff turnover, and persistent duplicate auditing.
- Developing a transition roadmap for the March 2027 declaration and March 2028 full compliance deadlines.
- Aligning IGOM/ISAGO with EASA requirements for seamless regulatory integration.
Target groups
This course is aimed at professionals involved in ground operations, ground handling, and compliance monitoring within the aviation industry.
Pre-requisites
Familiarity with aviation ground operations and basic quality/compliance principles is recommended.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this training, delegates will be able to:
- Navigate the shift from industry self-regulation to EASA oversight, clearly defining the roles of GHOs, NAAs, and Airlines.
- Implement the requirements of Part-ORGH, including SMS principles, hazard identification, and rigorous internal compliance monitoring.
- Evaluate and apply NAAs’ risk-based cooperative oversight, managing findings, enforcement, and corrective actions (Part-ARGH).
- Develop effective strategies for Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) and robust GSE maintenance programs.
- Oversee safe and compliant turnaround operations, equipment restraint boundaries, and specialized ground handling activities under Part-GH.OPS.
- Execute structured Management of Change (MoC) processes to integrate EASA requirements seamlessly with existing IGOM/ISAGO operational frameworks.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“The instructor used the right words to explain the material.”
“The discussions among the group were very beneficial.”
“The instructor showed very resourceful background and experience.”
“All sections of the course were related to my field.”
“Adequate answers were given to specific questions.”
Duration
2 Days – To commence at 09.00 and finish at 17.00, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
To register for this training, please email [email protected] or Call +359 28210806
