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Ground Handling Declaration Readiness

Preparation for the new EU / EASA Ground Handling Rules

The new EU / EASA Ground Handling framework starts to apply on 27 March 2028. Many organisations already perform ground handling activities successfully in daily operations. The challenge is often not operational capability, but whether scope, responsibilities, training, records, GSE-related control and internal follow-up are sufficiently structured to support declaration readiness under the new framework.

What is changing for ground handling organisations

The new framework introduces a declaration-based model for organisations providing ground handling services. In practice, this means the organisation itself must be able to stand behind the services it provides and the structure supporting them.

This includes a proportionate management system, clear responsibilities, training and continued competence, records and traceability, GSE-related control, change management and internal compliance monitoring.

This does not replace aircraft operator procedures or aerodrome procedures. The practical challenge is often to determine what the organisation actually provides, what is only coordinated, what remains governed by other frameworks, and what must now be clearly structured and documented within the ground handling organisation.

Which organisations may be affected

This is particularly relevant for stand-alone ground handling providers, aerodrome operators with integrated handling activities, FBOs with handling scope, and other organisations that already perform handling activities in practice but do not yet have a clearly defined declaration-ready structure.

For many smaller airports, the operation may already work day to day. The issue is often that responsibilities, records, training logic, GSE-related control and internal follow-up are spread across airport routines, local working methods and customer-specific arrangements rather than clearly structured within one coherent GH framework.

What declaration readiness means in practice

A declaration is not just a form to submit. It means the organisation must be able to support the declared scope with real structure, real records and real internal control.

In practice, this may include:

  • clearly defined scope per aerodrome

  • organisational responsibilities and reporting lines

  • a proportionate management system

  • GH manual and supporting procedures

  • training and competence logic

  • records and traceability

  • GSE maintenance and serviceability control

  • change management

  • occurrence reporting, corrective action and follow-up

  • compliance monitoring and internal review

Many organisations already have parts of this in place. The real issue is often that these elements are fragmented, inconsistent or not yet aligned with the organisation's actual ground handling scope.

How I can support

My focus is practical declaration readiness rather than generic document production.

Support may include:

Review and readiness

  • scope and applicability review

  • declaration and annex readiness review

  • records and traceability review

  • compliance monitoring and internal audit support

Build-up and implementation

  • management system and documentation structure

  • GH manual support

  • training and competence structure

  • GSE maintenance and serviceability logic

  • occurrence reporting, RCA/CAPA and follow-up

  • interface mapping between airport, operator and outsourced activities

The first step: EU Ground Handling Readiness Review

A structured first-step review designed to identify likely scope, key gaps and the most practical next actions.

The review focuses on:

  • what activities are actually performed

  • what is likely to fall within GH scope

  • what already exists in terms of manuals, procedures, training and records

  • where the main gaps are in relation to the new framework

Typical output:

  • current-state overview

  • identified key gaps

  • prioritised action view

  • recommended next step

From operational practice to declaration readiness

Many organisations already have capable staff and established working methods. What is often missing is a structure that clearly connects scope, responsibilities, documentation, training, records, GSE oversight, change management and internal follow-up.

The aim is to move from operations that work in practice to an organisation that is ready to stand behind its declaration.

Frequently asked questions

What is a declaration in practice?

A declaration is not prior approval. It is the organisation's formal statement that it provides specified ground handling services and is able to support them with the required structure, control and accountability.

Are smaller airports also affected?

Yes, depending on the organisation's activities and setup. In many cases, the key issue is not whether the operation works today, but whether the scope and supporting structure are clearly defined.

Is this just about writing manuals?

No. The real issue is often scope, responsibilities, training, records, GSE-related control, interfaces and internal follow-up — not just documentation.

What is the first practical step?

A readiness review is usually the most practical first step to clarify likely scope, current maturity and next actions.

Next step

If you want to explore whether your organisation is likely to be affected, or how far your current setup is from declaration readiness, I can support with an initial review and a practical discussion of next steps.

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