GROUND OPERATIONS TRAININGS · BY ASG
Ground Operations Training Overview
Ground operations training covers all operational activities that take place on the airport apron and in the terminal, from aircraft arrival through turn-around and departure. These activities — including aircraft marshalling, chocking and coning, jet blast awareness, GSE operation and safety, aircraft loading and weight/balance, passenger and baggage handling, de-icing, fuelling, and aircraft pushback — require trained, competent staff to maintain safety and efficiency.
Ground operations is consistently identified as a high-risk operational domain in aviation: ramp accidents, including aircraft damage incidents, staff injuries, and FOD (Foreign Object Debris) damage, account for significant operational costs and safety risk. Effective ground operations training is essential for compliance with IATA IGOM, ISAGO standards, and national CAA requirements, and directly supports the safety culture required for IOSA-registered airlines and ISAGO-certified ground handlers. For broader ground operations consulting and audit preparation, see our ISAGO Audit Preparation service.
Ground Operations Regulatory Framework
Ground operations are primarily governed by IATA’s Airport Handling Manual (AHM) and IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM). The IGOM (currently in its 11th Edition, 2024) is the global reference for standardized ground handling procedures, adopted by IATA and incorporated into ISAGO standards. Airlines and ground handlers implementing IGOM procedures reduce variation, improve safety, and demonstrate compliance with international ground handling standards.
IATA ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) provides the safety and quality framework for ground handling organisations, with GSE management, ramp safety, load control, and aircraft handling standards covering the key ground operations activity areas. Airlines covered by IOSA have overlapping GRH (Ground Handling) standards that set requirements for their ground handling programme oversight. National CAA regulations may add further requirements for specific ground operations activities (e.g., aircraft refuelling, de-icing, dangerous goods).
The ground operations environment is physically demanding and time-pressured: aircraft turnarounds in hub environments may require multiple concurrent activities under time pressure. This creates conditions where unsafe acts and errors are more likely without adequate training, clear procedures, and strong safety culture. ASG’s ground operations training programmes address both the technical skills required for safe operations and the behavioural and cultural factors that determine whether those skills are consistently applied in practice.
For organizations also seeking training in related specialist areas, see our Dangerous Goods Training, and for de-icing operations, our DAQCP Inspection Preparation service which includes de-icing staff training.
Our Ground Operations Training Programmes
Ramp Safety & GSE Operations Training
Our Ramp Safety training covers: aircraft movement area awareness and hazards, FOD prevention programme, GSE pre-use inspection procedures, aircraft damage prevention, jet blast and prop wash hazards, aircraft movement protocols, collision avoidance, and emergency response on the apron. The GSE Operations module covers safe operation of key equipment categories (tugs, loaders, stairs, belt loaders) in accordance with IGOM standards. Available as 1-day classroom or half-day online module.
Aircraft Handling & Load Control Training
Our Aircraft Handling programme covers aircraft arrival and departure procedures, marshalling, chocking and coning, pushback procedures, and aircraft damage reporting. The Load Control module covers weight and balance principles, load planning fundamentals, load sheet preparation, special load handling (e.g., heavy, long-length, live animals), and IATA dangerous goods awareness for load controllers. Available as a 2-day programme or as separate 1-day modules.
ISAGO Ground Operations Standards Awareness
ASG provides ISAGO Ground Operations Standards Awareness training for GHSPs and airlines managing ground handling contracts. This programme covers the ISAGO GSCS standards applicable to ground operations activities (OPS — Operational Safety section), helping operations managers and staff understand what ISAGO requires in their specific roles and how to demonstrate compliance during audits. For full ISAGO audit preparation, see our ISAGO Audit Preparation service.
Benefits of Professional Ground Operations Training
Why Choose Aero Support Group for Ground Operations Training?
ASG’s ground operations trainers are experienced aviation professionals with direct ramp and aircraft handling experience, ISAGO and IOSA audit expertise, and IGOM procedure knowledge. Our training is built on operational realism — using scenarios drawn from actual ramp accidents and incidents to ensure participants understand why safety procedures matter, not just what they require.
We provide ground operations training in multiple delivery formats (classroom, virtual, online) and can customise programmes for specific aircraft type procedures, specific airport environments, and specific ISAGO non-conformity profiles identified in pre-audit assessments. For complete ISAGO compliance support, see our ISAGO Audit Preparation and ISAGO Ground Handling Audit Readiness services.
Ground operations training is required for all personnel involved in aircraft handling activities: ramp agents, load controllers, aircraft marshallers, pushback tug operators, aircraft loaders, fuelling supervisors, and any other staff who access the aircraft movement area or directly handle aircraft. Training requirements may vary by specific role and applicable regulations.
ISAGO GSCS Section OPS (Operational Safety) includes standards covering training requirements for ground operations personnel, ramp safety programmes, GSE management, and aircraft handling procedures. ISAGO ORG (Management System) includes organizational training management standards. ASG’s ISAGO Standards Awareness programme specifically prepares ground operations staff for these standards.
ISAGO and IATA standards require recurrent ground operations training at regular intervals, typically annually for safety-critical procedures (ramp safety, GSE operation) and every 2-3 years for broader ground handling procedures. Initial training before assuming duties plus recurrent training is the standard model. ASG can advise on ISAGO-compliant training frequency requirements.
Foundation ground operations knowledge (safety principles, regulatory requirements, IGOM overview) can be effectively delivered online. Practical skills (GSE operation, aircraft marshalling) require hands-on demonstration and supervised practice. ASG designs blended learning programmes that use online modules for foundation knowledge and classroom/simulator sessions for practical skills.
Yes. For airlines managing ground handling through third-party GHSPs, ASG provides IOSA GRH standards training for airline staff responsible for ground handling oversight. This covers the IOSA GRH standards applicable to airline ground handling programme management, GHSP oversight procedures, and ground handling agreement (GHA) management. Contact us to discuss GRH oversight training requirements.
- IATA IGOM-aligned ramp safety and GSE operations training
- Aircraft handling and load control procedure training
- ISAGO Ground Operations Standards Awareness for GHSPs
- Classroom, virtual, and online delivery with practical skills modules
- Customised programmes for specific aircraft types and airport environments
- Trainers with direct ramp experience and ISAGO audit expertise
Ready to Build Your Ground Operations Training Programme?
Safe, efficient ground operations depend on well-trained, competent staff who understand both the procedures and the safety rationale behind them. Aero Support Group provides ground operations training that goes beyond regulatory compliance — developing operationally excellent ramp teams aligned to IATA IGOM, ISAGO, and IOSA standards. Contact our team to discuss your ground operations training requirements.
- Ground Operations Training
- IATA IGOM
- Ramp Safety
- ISAGO Training
- GSE Operations
- Aircraft Handling
References
- IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), 11th Edition (2024)
- IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM), 44th Edition (2024)
- IATA ISAGO Ground Support Certification Standards (GSCS), 7th Edition — OPS Section
- IATA IOSA Standards Manual (ISM), Edition 17 — GRH Section
- ICAO Annex 14, Volume I — Aerodrome Operations: Apron Management requirements
Subscribe to Global Aviation Safety Radar
Weekly aviation safety and compliance intelligence covering ICAO, IATA, EASA, and UK CAA developments — translated into practical implications for airlines, MROs, airports, ground handlers, and aviation leaders.