Ground handlers provide vital services to the carriers who appoint them and the community that interfaces with then. From passenger terminals, to ramp activities to cargo facilities, they are on the front line of customer service and are a critical component of ensuring safety and security compliance.

EASA recently as the first CAA published a regulation for Ground Operations seeking through a certification program to enhance the safety of aircraft operations…an obviously admirable objective.
The regulation do not include concrete procedures but foresee that the Ground Service Providers (GSP) to have their operations certified based on their own procedures and that these must be in line with best industry practices, ICAO recommendations, latest science etc and can differ by size and complexity of operation (a bit fluffy).

The introduction of Regulation (EU) 2025/24, amending Regulation (EU) No 965/2012, marks a pivotal advancement in the oversight of ground handling services within the European Union.

LM’s view on to the new EASA regulations package (Regulation (EU) 2025/20 to 24) is a combined approach from the airline perspective and handler position. With the European scope for this regulation, it might be beneficial for the operator’s monitoring of contracted ground handling activities.