IATA’s Director Ground Operations Monika Mejstrikova's Speech at the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC)

Core Themes from the Speech of Monika Mejstrikova’s keynote at the 38th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC)

Safety Achievements:
- 2025 saw zero fatal ground handling accidents and only one serious injury across nearly 40 million flights.
- She emphasized that this progress is proof of the industry’s commitment to safety standards.

Global Standards Implementation:
- The IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) and Airport Handling Manual (AHM) remain the backbone of harmonized procedures.
- Nearly 300 audits under the new ISAGO model reinforced discipline and consistency.
- Mejstrikova urged airlines and handlers to reduce unnecessary variations in procedures.

Modern Ground Support Equipment (GSE):
- Despite progress, 29,000+ aircraft ground damage events were reported in 2025.
- Anti-collision technology adoption is expanding, with 75 stations recognized for risk reduction.
- Transition to electric GSE fleets can cut turnaround emissions by up to 52%, supporting sustainability goals.

Digitalization & Data Sharing:
- Manual processes still cause baggage mishandling and loading errors.
- The new Baggage Community System (BCS) provides real-time visibility across the baggage journey.
- Adoption of the X565 data standard reduced aircraft loading errors by over 90%.
- A new de-icing dashboard improves risk oversight, with growing participation from U.S. and Chinese operators.

Closing Message
Mejstrikova stressed that resilience in ground handling depends on three pillars:
1. Stronger standard implementation
2. Modern, safer, and greener GSE
3. Digitalization for transparency and efficiency

She positioned these as essential not only for operational safety but also for achieving aviation’s Net Zero by 2050 targets.