IATA Airport Handling Training Overview

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a global trade association representing airlines worldwide. It sets industry standards and provides training programs.

IATA's Airport Handling Manual (AHM) contains guidelines and best practices for airport operations, including passenger handling.

IATA's Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) assesses the safety of ground operations at airports, ensuring that operations meet international standards.

The Passenger Services Conference Resolutions Manual (PSCRM) outlines standards and best practices for passenger services at airports.

IATA Training offers a variety of courses in aviation, covering topics like ground operations, safety, and passenger services, designed to meet the needs of individuals and airlines.

The IATA Authorized Training Centers (ATCs) are approved educational institutions offering IATA's courses and programs.

Using a building block approach, IATA courses are designed to progressively build upon one another, helping learners gain knowledge and skills systematically.

IATA Training aims to provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the aviation industry, particularly in passenger ground services.

A passenger gate service agent (PGSA) is a ground staff member who assists passengers at the departure gate during the boarding process.

The shift from traditional check-in counters to departure gates means that PGSA's are now responsible for passenger acceptance, document checks, and managing carry-on baggage.

PGSA's need to manage passenger flow and queue times efficiently at the gate to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

Airlines often set targets and timelines for ground service providers, including PGSA's, to ensure a positive passenger experience.

Passengers with certain statuses (like frequent flyers) or those traveling in first or business class may have access to airline lounges.

Lounges are typically located in the airside area, meaning passengers need to pass through security and potentially immigration before entering.

Boarding announcements may be limited at some airports, so PGSA's must effectively communicate boarding information to passengers.

Passengers should check their boarding passes for important information like gate numbers, boarding times, and the latest arrival time at the gate.

The process of passengers entering the aircraft after their boarding passes have been scanned and validated, ensuring they are ready to fly.

The procedure for checking in bags and delivering them to the aircraft before flight departure. This is done in preparation for the passengers' journey.

Services tailored to specific passengers' needs, such as assistance for minors, disabled individuals, VIPs, deportees, or those with medical requirements.

When a flight is interrupted, PGSAs provide support to affected passengers, including rebooking, meal vouchers, hotel accommodations, and transportation.

Dealing with complaints or issues raised by passengers or airlines, ensuring a smooth and positive passenger experience.

Coordinating with various service providers and suppliers to ensure all necessary tasks are completed before a flight is cleared for departure, like baggage loading and aircraft preparation.

A service provided at most airports allowing passengers to store their luggage safely, especially before check-in, often for a fee.

Services provided for the aircraft before departure, including tasks like loading baggage, supplying drinking water, and ensuring the lavatories are ready for use.

The CRS provides a user-friendly interface for travel professionals to perform tasks like booking flights and managing reservations.

The CRS maintains databases containing information about users, flight schedules, and reservations. These databases are used to manage and process travel requests.

A user's access to the CRS features is determined by their status, whether they are a guest or a registered user.

It is mandatory to confirm blocked tickets. Failure to confirm will result in the cancellation of the reservation.

The CRS accesses the User database to charge for the ticket, as the cost needs to be associated with the user's account.

The CRS maintains integrity by only allowing authorized personnel, such as administrators, to adjust critical system parameters like pricing policies, ensuring consistency and preventing unauthorized changes.

The Departure Control System (DCS) manages passenger and baggage processing at the airport, working in tandem with the CRS.

The DCS encompasses the processes of checking in passengers, assigning seats, verifying baggage, and managing weight and balance for the aircraft.

These services handle the aircraft on the ground, including pushback, baggage loading, and fueling. They are typically provided by a separate ground handling company.

Load control involves managing the weight and balance of the aircraft to ensure safe and efficient flight. Communication coordinates information between the ground and flight deck. Flight operations encompass departure procedures and crew administration.

This involves handling cargo and mail, including loading and unloading before and after flight. Airlines typically contract these services to a ground handling company.

Support services cover a range of needs, including providing for airline representatives, managing logistics, cleaning aircraft, and catering for passengers. They also involve verifying special meal requests.

Security services are paramount for airline operations, involving screening passengers and their baggage to ensure the safety and security of everyone on board. This may be conducted by airport law enforcement or private security agencies.

This course offered by IATA provides an immersive experience of ramp handling procedures, using virtual reality technology.

The IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) provides guidelines and best practices for airport operations. It sets standards for ramp handling and other critical aspects of ground operations.

ISAGO, or IATA's Safety Audit for Ground Operations, is a global safety audit program that assesses the quality of ground operations at airports. It ensures that these operations meet international safety standards.

The process of confirming a passenger's identity, baggage, and travel details before boarding a flight.

A self-service system used by passengers to check in for their flights, often found at airports.

Using technology to simplify the check-in process, including electronic boarding passes and automated check-in.

The ability to check in for a flight 24 hours before departure, often accompanied by automatic boarding pass delivery.

The key functions of check-in include verifying the passenger's identity, allocating a seat, checking for special requirements, and issuing a boarding pass.

The use of technology allows passengers to check in online or via mobile apps, reducing time spent at the airport.

The goal in airport check-in is to create a smooth and efficient experience for passengers, minimizing wait times and maximizing use of airport facilities.