february2022 - 23

International
Among the main
factors that influence
skill retention in the
ground handling
sector is the low
number of flights
currently operated.
" The ability of our personnel to perGround
handlers must
ensure training systems are
set up and resourced to
deliver the required training
to any new personnel.
" With staff returning from extended
operational absences, skill refresher
training is essential to maintain safety
and quality standards. "
Indeed, skill retention is very important
from the perspective of the ground
handling operator and aircraft safety,
observe officials in the ground handling
department of Japan Airlines.
" In terms of skills, in addition to the
operation of vehicles and equipment,
a correct understanding of work procedures
and sensitivity to hazards in
the work environment are also important, "
say Japan Airlines ground handling
officials.
Skill retention is vital across all areas
of ground handling, according to Steve
Clark, head of global training at dnata.
form their operational functions in a
safe, competent manner is crucial to
ensuring we remain operationally effective,
achieve our required business outputs
and continue to meet and exceed
our customers' expectations, " he says.
It is essential to understand skill levels
and ensure sufficient skilled staff are
available to cover for any unexpected
contingencies, affirms Barker.
" With flight schedules still uncertain,
flexibility is required to ensure skilled
staff can fulfill customer handling
requirements and that safety-critical
functions are well covered, " he says.
Losing experienced staff or having
poorly trained staff affects the overall
customer service aspects of the business.
The most important area is frontline
ramp and line services, according to
Rahim, Gimson and Wade.
" This work involves the interaction of
people, ground support equipment and
vehicles close to very expensive aircraft,
and it is vital that beyond just standard
operating procedures (SOPs), frontline
personnel are consistently competent
in working in such a high-risk environment, "
they say. " This reduction in skills
may not be limited to frontline staff and
can include instructors providing training,
which can then inhibit the enhancement
of proficiency or expertise. If risks
are not mitigated, the resulting effect
can be far more severe to both man
and machine. "
The pandemic has provided additional
challenges to the aircraft ground handling
business, affirms Clark.
" However, as part of our recovery
we have ensured that all our returning
personnel receive all required refresher
trainings, and then actively demonstrate
they are at the required standard
of competence before they return to
the operation. This way we can ensure
that the skills and competences of our
personnel remain at the required, high
standard, " he says. " Safety is obviously a
top priority; therefore, we must ensure
that all personnel adhere to all safety
protocols and SOPs as they carry out
their operational roles. "
Peculiarities of
Ground Handling
Skill retention is an ongoing challenge
for the ground handling industry and
one which has been exacerbated by the
February 2022 || AviationPros.com || 23
DNATA
http://www.AviationPros.com
february2022

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