Brief History and Mandate
The EBAA Airports and handling committee was requested by the Board of Governors to review the existing ground Handling Code of Practice.
The EBAA Handling Committee met on a number of occasions to review the existing EBAA handling code of practice published in March 1994.
The Board of Governors and the Committee felt it was important that the increasing demands for professionalism in the air were being complimented by continual improvement of handling services available on the ground.
The Airports and Handling Committee set out to:
- Create a new recommended handling code of practice
- Recommend to the EBAA that it revised its EBAA approved handler designation so that it was in line with the new code
- Provide a web based environment within the EBAA website where approved handler information could exist
- Provide an environment where operators could exchange information on handling issues and provide feedback on the handlers they have experienced.
- Create an environment, which would allow for the sharing of information about a particular airport and matters that may affect future business aviation operations to that airport.
Rather than creating a code of practice from nothing the Committee reviewed the IATA Standard ground Handling Agreement.
IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA)
This is an international recognized document and is primarily used in the commercial aviation world as the basis of contract between a commercial scheduled aviation operator and his ground-handling agent.
Traditionally the IATA agreement has not been used in the business aviation sector because operators have tended not to be of a commercial scheduled nature and traditionally do not visit one particular location with a high frequency.
It is not our recommendation that individual operators should seek to enter into a formal contract with a handling agent unless they have a desire to do so. If an operator wished to do so the IATA SGHA may well be an appropriate document to consider as the agreement or for the foundation of an agreement.
Use of the SGHA
The key aim of the committee was to blend the existing formality of the IATA SGHA with the particular needs of business aviation.
The SGHA is a proven document and the group found that it was unnecessary to change much of the existing text. In fact we considered it important not to change the text unless the text was likely to cause misunderstanding in a business aviation context.
Areas that had no application within our particular business sector have been excluded and other service items have been included on the basis that the handler can make additional charges for services and equipment beyond the minimum.
What is in it for Business Aviation Operators?
- Minimum standards for EBAA accreditation as an approved handler as outlined in the minimum standards document.
- Expectations guide for handlers - this details further expectations of a recognized handler. Attached word document
- Communication amongst EBAA members, published on the website, on the performance of approved handlers in a manner which encourages standards to rise.
- A data source for members to exchange information on issues related to a particular airport that may range from access to fees.
We recommend that the SGHA does provide a degree of formality and professionalism, which we believe that European Business Aviation ground handlers need to reflect and that operators have a right to expect.
This document should always be a code of practice and will through the EBAA approved handler process allow Business Aircraft Operators the opportunity to make informed assessments of a handler's capability.
Process for Approval as an EBAA Approved Handling Agent
Handlers that wish to become an EBAA Approved Handling Agent and comply with the code will need to complete a Self-Assessment form. This will be presented to the Airports and Handling Committee who will recommend to the EBAA BOG approvals.
Audit
Audits will be carried out on a regular basis, at a minimum once a year and any EBAA Operator using an EBAA approved facility is encouraged to support the audit process.
Expectations Guide for EBAA Approval
It is advised that Handling Agents adhere to these prerequisites in order to provide a standard of High Quality Services.
People and Training
The Handling Agents representatives should be able to speak English and preferably one other language apart from their mother tongue.
Uniform
The representatives should be of smart appearance and uniformed with identifiable company name badge/logo.
Communication Equipment Skills
The Representatives should be well versed in Aviation terminology and trained in recognized communication applications (Telephone, Fax, Telex - Commercial, Sita & Aft and Air to Ground Radio procedures)
Training Manual
A training manual will need to be available for inspection and show refresher training.
Driving Skills
The Representatives should be competent drivers, be in the possession of an appropriate Drivers License and have a good understanding of Airfield Safety and security procedures.
Aviation Knowledge
Although it is not expected that a Handling Agent should be able to Dispatch a Flight, it is advisable, in the interest of expediting efficient Turnarounds, that they be knowledgeable enough to understand Flight Planning and Meteorology principles in order to assist crews.
Ramp Safety
Any staff working in proximity to aircraft should wear high visibility luminescent clothing.
Security
Both passengers and crews should be confident that all security requirements are adhered to and in compliance with the EBAA security policy.
Further Service Recommendations in Addition to IATA Format
24-hour on call availability.
Pricing and Payment
On request, the Handler must be able to provide a comprehensive price list for all direct services and price estimates for all 3rd party services.
The Handling Agent should also be able to accept various means of payment, for Handling Services for the convenience of the Passengers and Crew i.e. Cash, Credit Card, Bank Cheque or for known customers, Invoice.
Handling Information
The Handling Agent should advertise its Contact Information in the various recognized aviation directories. All services should be listed either on a separate "Jeppesen" style insert or on the Handling Agents business card, with all relevant information for contact.
Confidentiality
The Handling Agent should treat all matters concerning the movements of business or private aircraft as confidential, avoiding any unnecessary public address announcements and limiting Information, given to telephone enquirers.
Insurance
The Handling Agent should ensure that it is covered for third party liability, with an appropriate insurance policy.
The following level of insurance cover is recommended and may vary form country to country depending upon local requirements.
| Personal Injury | 25m Euros |
| Fire Damage | 1m Euros |
| Aircraft Damage | $10m Euros each |
Employer's liability insurance and public liability insurance of not less than the minimum required by statute;
Such insurances shall include contract and non contract clients, its employees, agents, associated companies, representatives, Flight Crew and passengers as joint insured and shall contain a waiver of rights of subrogation in favour of the above.
Emergency / Disaster Procedures
The Handling Agent must have in place and published appropriate emergency procedures, which are integrated with and comply with the airports emergency procedure handling process.
