Go to top of page

Ground operations

Ground operations are the tasks (excluding maintenance) that are carried out while an aircraft is on the tarmac before and after a flight.

After an aircraft arrives, it's marshalled to a parking position. It's then either connected to an aerobridge, or stairs are positioned at the doors. Ground power units are connected, luggage and cargo is unloaded, fresh water is replenished, toilet services are carried out and refuelling is done.

Our ground operations inspectors make sure these jobs are done and also work with:

  • The oversight of document control
  • Line station training, facilities and training records
  • Audit and compliance programs and compliance to the safety management system
  • Load control communication, the loading system, and the communication of aircraft loading
  • GSE operating around aircraft
  • Check-in and boarding of passengers
  • Passenger safety while embarking and disembarking the aircraft
  • Driver behaviours, for example the circle of safety
  • Ground service equipment operator training, maintenance oversight and operation and
  • Ensuring the operator manual suite is followed for all ground handling activities, both above and below wing.

Further information