Here’s what you need to know about Airport Services Management

by Jose Malave I am an author.

Airport operations are becoming increasingly complex. All the services a passenger requires, from arrival to departure (both ground to air and vice versa) need to be provided as efficiently and expeditiously as possible. While the commercial and general aviation flight experiences are vastly different, they do share some similarities. As you wait to board your flight, you enjoy lounge and terminal areas, clean washrooms, better facilities, and other passenger amenities. Ever wondered who does all this for you and millions of other passengers? Well, there are specialized management companies that focus extensively in airport management services and in this post we will talk about these services in detail.

What is airport services management?

As the name suggests, airport services management is all about managing different profiles at an airport. This is more like an umbrella term, and you may come across other names as Fixed Base Operators, Ground Handlers, Above-Wing services and Below-Wing services who may provide some or all areas of airport service. Usually, the area of service is specialized, but most of these operators specialize in management of certain services at an airport.

1. FBOs. In general, FBOs offer an array of services at an airport, primarily with regard to general aviation. The core line services are the (ground) handling, fueling and hangaring of aircraft, but some operators also provide aircraft management repair and overhaul (MRO) and aircraft charter and management (ACM) services as well. Many FBOs are commissioned by the airport authorities for certain commercial operations, such as aircraft ground handling, terminal/gate services, and property management.

2. Ground handlers. More often than not, a ground handler specializes in commercial aviation. They usually handle services below the wing, and hence, you may also come across the term called ‘below wing’ services. They typically provide such commercial aircraft services as aircraft ground handling, baggage handling, aircraft fueling, and other services which take place on the airport ramp.

3. "Above-wing" services. Essentially "Above-wing" services are related to anything to and from the aircraft. The list may include ticketing, gate agent services, provisioning the airplane, handling of passengers, baggage management, water services and coordination of other services. In some cases, above wing services can be more defined, and most service providers may work for more than one commercial carrier or for the airport sponsor.

Given the increasing demand, efficient utilization of airport space is critical for timely movement of passengers. If you are an airport sponsor or a manager for commercial airlines, you can consider outsourcing many of these requirements to professional management companies. These services can be easily customized to meet specific needs. Always be diligent when reviewing the work history, capabilities and experience of a professional airport services management company.

Global Aviation Infrastructure LLC

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