ZAINAB JUNAID
In its bid to achieve sustainable ground handling services, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its 34th Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will take place in Paris, France from 31 May to 2 June 2022.
The event will be focusing on improving implementation procedures and operations, forging sustainable new agreements and empowering the workforce to deliver lasting and environmentally sound solutions, under the theme– People, Purpose and Passion – Building a sustainable future for ground operations.
Speaking on the development, Monika Mejstrikova, IATA’s Director of Ground Operations said, “IGHC will bring together industry leaders from airlines, airports, ground service providers to manufacturers for networking and business development.
The event will provide a unique platform for the discussion and implementation of industry standards, policies and procedures.
He stressed that, highlights of programs include: IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh’s fireside chat with Steve Allen, and Richard Prince, CEO of Avia-partner; a technical session for members of the IATA Charter of Professional Auditors (CoPA) on the changes to the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO), will also be scheduled during the conference. Sessions exploring key topics such as: Sustainable ground operation; Root causes of the ground handling labor shortage; Digital load control; Gen Z and the ground operations industry; Artificial intelligence in ground handling; Baggage tracking; Global standards to improve safety and Changes in 2023 SGHA (Standard Ground Handling Agreement), will not be left out.
The global trade association for the world’s airlines, IATA, further explained that the conference will help to facilitate networking, delegates will have access to the enhanced networking tool available on the event App and three BizZone areas available to hold meetings.
“IGHC will offer a dedicated exhibition area for ground service providers and ground handling solutions providers including Worldwide Flight Services, Fraport AG, SKYPRO, Air Business GSE and Inform Software amongst others.”
