Since ground handling directly impacts the efficiency and safety of every flight, regular, high-quality staff training is a must – especially now, as passenger demand is growing amid ‘severe’ shortages of ground handling staff, in the words of IATA.
This article reviews how online learning supplements traditional ground handling training and suggests some overall best practices for training your teams.
The Importance of Ground Handling Training
Safety and Compliance
Ground handling staff work with heavy machinery such as conveyer belt systems and GSE, often in proximity to aircraft. They must follow strict regulations from aviation authorities, including those related to hazardous materials, weight-and-balance procedures, and security protocols.
As discussed by Airbus, ‘bad habits create big burdens’, as minor incidents can damage aircraft after enough repetition. Issues relating to access, service and cargo doors have been caused by incorrect ground handling practices; Airbus states that cargo doors are often damaged by cargo loader collisions during turnaround time. Regular training is key to changing bad habits.
Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness
Delays caused by inefficient ground handling can disrupt schedules, inconvenience passengers, and drive up costs. Thoroughly trained teams operate faster and more effectively – while observing the correct safety protocols. This reduces the likelihood of schedule disruptions, damage to equipment, or additional fuel costs from extended ground times. For example, ensuring staff are properly trained in using baggage reconciliation software can significantly reduce mishandled baggage rates.
Talent Retention
A report by ASA World and Steer Consulting states that 57.3% of professionals in the sector said finding and retaining staff was their biggest challenge. But it’s well-established that employees who receive regular training and see a clear path for advancement are more likely to remain loyal. In a competitive labour market, professional development and learning opportunities can therefore be a major appeal.
Modern Approaches to Aviation Training
Classroom-style sessions and on-the-job coaching methods are still valid, but they’re not optimal in every situation. Online, self-guided training is suitable when addressing high-volume standardized training needs, introducing new software systems, or providing refresher courses on existing protocols.
In the aforementioned report, 45.3% of aviation professionals said that training and staying current on new technologies was their top challenge. Therefore, implementing flexible learning solutions that can be quickly updated with new information is crucial.
Benefits of Online Learning for Ground Handling Teams
Scalable Aviation Training
Employers may need to train large teams spread across numerous airports in multiple countries. There’s further complexity when ground handling organizations have multiple customers with different training requirements.
Online learning platforms offer standardized content delivery to every member of staff, making it easier to cover content that overlaps across different customer requirements. Of course, the cost is lower this way compared to when relying solely on instructor-based training.
Convenience
Traditional training requires learners to engage for longer sessions, which can disrupt operations – yet this isn’t necessary for all types of learning topics.
With e-learning, staff can learn at their own pace, when and where is most suitable for them. Having material available for quick reference also helps when using aviation software, helping new users get to grips with it faster and helping existing users discover features they haven’t encountered before.
Varied Content Formats
Online learning resources can include a broader range of formats, catering to different needs. This is especially useful for compliance-heavy subjects which can otherwise be challenging to retain.
How Can Zafire Academy Maximize the Value of Aviation Management Software?
Zafire Academy is our own learning platform, specifically designed to help your team build expertise in our aviation software.
Key Features & Content
Here’s what’s available to our users:
- Self-paced courses: Users can work through content whenever they have time, stopping and resuming as needed.
- Mobile access: The platform can be accessed via a mobile app, so staff can learn on the go – while on breaks, between flights, or at home. Learning can then happen in small, manageable steps throughout the day.
- Networking Tools: Connect with other aviation professionals using our software to share tips and insights.
- Webinars: Participate in webinars led by our specialists.
- Expert support: Get questions answered by product experts who understand the technical aspects of the software and the operational realities of ground handling.
- View up-to-date product information: View release notes and product roadmaps to prepare your team for upcoming features.
Best Practices for Training Ground Handling Staff
A good training approach should be comprehensive and ongoing. Consider these strategies to ensure your ground handling staff continually develop.
Implement a Regular Training Schedule
IATA have discussed the importance of standardization in enhancing training, and developed minimum training requirements in their Airport Handling Manual, Chapter 11. One aspect of standardization to consider is the intervals at which employees undergo training. Instead of sporadic sessions, maintain a structured schedule; this could include monthly refreshers, quarterly in-depth sessions, and so on.
Use Blended Learning Techniques
Blended earning is widely regarded as the most effective approach to employee training. Combine online training, instructor-led training and hands-on sessions to reinforce theoretical understanding through practical application.
Encourage Peer Mentoring
Pair experienced staff with newer hires for on-the-job mentorship. Mentors can also clarify organization-specific details; mentees then benefit from practical insights that might not be covered in formal training materials.
Reward Achievements
Acknowledge employees that successfully complete courses and demonstrate best practices in daily tasks, encouraging them to engage with training and continually apply what they learn.
Measure Aviation Training Impact
A critical aspect of any training initiative is measuring its effectiveness. Some metrics to consider are:
- Safety incidents and accident rates: Track the frequency and severity of ground handling-related incidents before and after implementing a training program.
- Turnaround times: Note changes in TAT once the program begins. More efficient loading, fuelling, and servicing processes should result in reduced ground time.
- Employee feedback and satisfaction: Gain input from staff through surveys or focus groups. Do they feel more confident and well-prepared for their duties?
- Audit results: Improvement in audit results is another marker of successful training.
- Customer feedback: Monitor changes in customer-related metrics in order to monitor the broader implications of training.
Upskilling for the Future of Ground Handling
New and emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and robotics for baggage management will influence ground handling tasks. In addition, the push for sustainability in aviation will demand new skills.
The industry is also leaning more towards data-driven operations with each passing year, requiring managers to use analytics tools, interpret performance metrics and implement continuous improvement strategies.
Staying proactive in training and development will make sure your team can adapt to these changes with ease.
As IATA notes: “Training and nurturing the next generation of skilled aviation professionals through innovation, use of new technologies and competency-based training methods must begin now.” The association further emphasizes that “new training methods will need to be deployed, heavily relying on performance data, competency-based learning and assessments, and online training formats.”
Conclusion
A thoroughly, frequently trained team is essential to delivering safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations.
Online learning offers flexible, self-paced courses accessible through mobile apps, allowing ground handlers to learn at their own convenience. This accommodates diverse schedules and global operations.
When combined with instructor led and hands-on sessions, as well as mentorship, it prepares ground handling teams for current responsibilities and future industry changes.
To learn more about what’s available through Zafire Academy, contact us today.
