From safety advances to autonomous vehicles, this year’s programme brought industry leaders together to explore ways of reshaping the future of airport ground support. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know
GSE&RAMP-OPS united airlines, handlers, GSE manufacturers and technology providers in Copenhagen on 14-16 October for three days of focused discussion, all steered under the insightful chairmanship of dnata’s Robert Powell. Conversations centred on practical steps to modernise ramp operations and ground support, from communication upgrades to smarter electrification.
Jon Jackson from PrimeFlight, and dBD Communications managing director David O’Connell, both focused on the trend towards wireless communication, outlining its many benefits such as reduced trip hazards and freedom of movement.
While O’Connell discussed how wireless systems are now crucial for consistency and safety in operations, Jackson advocated for wireless headsets as an extension of crew resource management (CRM). He says that these technologies minimise communication errors during ground operations. Their main takeaways for safer ramp environments are: wireless headsets, robust training and strong leadership.
Global aviation services company Menzies Aviation had Jonathan Hankin explore a responsible transition to electric operations. Safety was a key concern, along with risk management and upskilling staff to meet changing standards. Hankin detailed strategies for managing lithium battery risks, ensuring that protection measures are embedded into every stage of the switch to electric ground support equipment (eGSE).
Abessamad Benmezouara of Royal Air Maroc tracked lessons learnt from the automotive industry to urge for standardised eGSE chargers. He proposed a unification of protocols, sharing infrastructure and collaborating as an aviation industry to collate strategic solutions.
Collaboration was also the key theme of an ITW GSE presentation proposing smarter charging solutions for eGSE. ITW GSE argued that using existing infrastructure and flexible load sharing could increase functionality and reduce costs, something that their EcoGate product system works to do.
Recounting the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company’s journey from a struggling fleet to a strong operational taskforce, Charles Murathe Karinga advised that emerging markets should prioritise regulation and systemic support, and blend financing, for sustainable developments.
Autonomous ground handling already transforms operations at leading international airports, explained Daniel Sanchez from TractEasy. His case studies showed how autonomous technology can offer safer cargo and baggage movement and improve efficiency.
Research conducted by Sami Dijkstra investigated the integration of autonomous technology and airside baggage handling. Recommendations included upskilling personnel, pursuing performance-based contracts and generating new revenue streams from operational data.
Offering a different avenue from presentations, a panel session moderated by award-winning journalist Emma Murray explored how close collaborations between airlines, handlers and airports can transform ground operations. Perhaps the biggest takeaway was how many sheets of paper are saved each year by the digitalisation of operations: approximately 800,000.
Each presentation and panel contributed to a richer, safer and more resilient ground services industry. Building on this year’s success, GSE&RAMP-OPS will be held in London 2026.
