The International Air Transport Association has called for the modernisation and digitalisation of ground handling operations as part of efforts to reduce aircraft damage incidents and improve operational efficiency across the aviation industry.
Speaking on the need to modernise ground support equipment fleets, IATA’s Director Ground Operations, Monika Mejstrikova, said aircraft ground damage remained 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. Unless we reduce the rate of these incidents, costs will multiply as the industry grows. But modernisation is not only about making equipment safer, but it is also about making it cleaner. Technology can help on both fronts. Two priorities are the transition to enhanced GSE and electric GSE,” Mejstrikova said.
According to IATA, the Enhanced GSE Recognition Programme, launched in 2024 to support the transition to ground support equipment fitted with anti-collision technology, has received more than 450 applications.
The association said it had validated 187 stations and recognised 75 stations for reducing operational risk.
