EASA Ground Handling Compliance & Safety Seminar & Workshop
As the European ground handling sector enters a pivotal transition from voluntary guidelines to a legally binding regulatory regime, Sofema Aviation Academy is pleased to announce the EASA Ground Handling Compliance & Safety Seminar & Workshop. Taking place on 9–10 March 2027 at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria, the event is designed to support Ground Handling Service Providers (GHSPs), aerodrome operators, and air carriers in aligning their operating models with formal European Union safety standards.
The forthcoming regulatory framework introduces mandatory accountability mechanisms that will fundamentally shift how ground operations are managed across Europe. Proactive preparation is essential for organizations to maintain operational continuity, achieve early compliance, and seamlessly integrate these new legal obligations prior to Competent Authority oversight.
Navigating the Transition to Binding European Standards
Preparing for the new EASA regime requires structured planning across several critical operational domains. The seminar will provide targeted executive guidance and actionable strategies on the following key areas:
- The Declaration of Compliance (DoC): Establishing formal regulatory accountability and legal readiness.
- Integrated Safety Management Systems (SMS): Transitioning toward scalable, data-driven safety management structures tailored specifically to the ramp environment.
- Personnel Competency Frameworks: Aligning training, qualification, and evaluation processes with forthcoming regulatory mandates.
- Equipment & Ramp Integrity: Implementing verified Ground Support Equipment (GSE) maintenance standards and enforcing Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline.
Comprehensive Two-Day Programme
The agenda combines executive briefings, regulatory analysis, and an interactive implementation workshop designed to provide practical deliverables for participating organizations.
- Day 1: Navigating the Regulatory Landscape – An in-depth examination of the structural changes in the Basic Regulation for GHSPs, legal obligations governing the DoC, and strategies for scaling an SMS to meet EASA requirements.
- Day 2: Practical Implementation & Gap Analysis – Focused working sessions covering GSE maintenance compliance, ramp Just Culture, and preparation for continuous authority oversight. Delegates will participate in a structured Gap Analysis Workshop to evaluate current internal procedures against the forthcoming EASA standards.
Featured Industry Experts & Live Podcast Studio
The seminar features insights from senior industry leaders with extensive operational, management, and regulatory backgrounds:
- Dr. Florin Necula (Keynote Speaker) – Accountable Manager, RAS Technic
- Steve Bentley (Keynote Speaker) – CEO, Sofema Aviation
- Dejan Dencic – Compliance & Safety Manager
- Tihomir Dzingov – Aviation Regulatory Trainer & FAA Dispatcher
Alongside the primary conference schedule, the event features an on-site Live Podcast Studio. Running throughout networking breaks and lunches, the studio will host live discussions and interviews with keynote speakers and aviation specialists to examine emerging challenges, technology integration, and best practices across the European ground handling sector.
Event Details & Registration
Targeted at Accountable Managers, Safety and Compliance Directors, Ground Operations Managers, Quality Auditors, and GSE Specialists, early registration is highly encouraged to secure a place at this vital industry transition event.
- Dates: Tuesday 9 & Wednesday 10 March 2027
- Venue: Metropolitan Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria
- Individual Pass: €99 (+ applicable VAT) – Includes full two-day access, lunches, and networking
- Group Pass: €198 (+ applicable VAT) – 3-for-2 Offer: Register three delegates for the cost of two
- Accommodation: Preferential rate of €99/night (inc. 9% VAT & city tax) at the Metropolitan Hotel
Register Your Interest or Secure Your Delegate Passes Here
Tags:
Aviation SMS, Sofema Aviation (SA), EASA Ground Handling, Ground Handling Compliance, Aviation Safety Seminar, Declaration of Compliance (DoC), Ground Support Equipment (GSE), Ramp Safety Regulations, Aviation Gap Analysis
