november2021 - 50

EDITOR'S NOTE
Ground Handling's Involvement
in a Successful Industry
Whether helping the industry recover from the pandemic
or meeting environment goals, ground service providers
play a key role in both commercial and general aviation.
Editor - Josh Smith
jsmith@aviationpros.com
920-563-1644
A
s the air travel industry continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, a strong focus
has been placed on the long-term environmental and economic sustainability of the industry.
In both regards, ground handling will play a key role in aviation's future.
From the economic side, the Airport Services Association (ASA) and Airports Council International
(ACI) recently presented a working paper titled " Ground Handling as a Key Component of the Long-Term
Resilience and Sustainability of the Aviation System. " In the document, officials call out the importance
of ground service providers as part of the economic and social sustainability of the aviation " ecosystem. "
ACI advocated for this on behalf of its members as part of a larger message regarding a practical
approach to aviation's recovery at the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) High-level
Conference on COVID-19 (HLCC) in October. And in response to its call for continued high levels of
safety, ACI reports that the HLCC will work to build better oversight of ground handling activities.
From an environmental standpoint, the use of electric ground support equipment (eGSE) and equipment
powered by alternative fuels has taken on increased importance as airports and airlines declare
individual goals to reduce carbon emissions. And ground handlers are becoming increasingly familiar
with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as additional airlines pledge their support for the adoption of SAF.
Further, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Experimental Aircraft Association
(EAA), General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), Helicopter Association International
(HAI), National Air Transportation Association (NATA) and National Business Aviation Association
(NBAA) signed onto a letter to the United States Congress to increase funding for the Alternative Fuels
for General Aviation program.
In the letter, the organizations note the importance of identifying a safe, high-octane unleaded
replacement for avgas and that funding requested for the Alternative Fuels for General Aviation program
is " consistent with the spirit of the recent White House announcement on SAF, " in which alternative
fuels for general aviation was emphasized.
Much work in terms of recovery and environmental improvements remains for
the aviation industry. And like with many other industry initiatives, stakeholders
from all aspects of aviation need to do their part to help meet these goals.
Advertiser's Index
Adveez................................................................ 36
AERO Specialties ............................................... 18
Air Ocean Pros ................................................... 49
Alberth Aviation ................................................. 47
Anderson Airmotive ........................................... 32
Continental Tire ................................................. 17
David Clark Company .......................................... 5
Engine Distributors, Inc. .................................... 52
FAST Global Solutions ....................................... 13
FluidTran Inc. ...................................................... 47
Fortbrand Services LLC ...................................... 36
Global Ground Support ...................................... 23
Ground Support Specialist LLC ......................... 21
GSE International Inc. ........................................ 48
ITW GSE ............................................................. 11
JBT AeroTech ..................................................... 15
LAS-USA, LLC ...................................................... 7
Mercury GSE ...................................................... 48
50 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE NOVEMBER 2021
Par-Kan Company .............................................. 51
PCS (Powertrain Control Solutions) .................... 9
Stinar Ground Support Equipment .................... 43
Total Control Systems ....................................... 19
U.S. Airmotive GSE ............................................ 31
Van der Graaf ....................................................... 2
Victory GSE ........................................................ 49

november2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of november2021