G R O U N D H A N D L I N G
Fairhandling
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ground handling services in Europe has increased from
around 7% to 45% during that time.
However, the business and general aviation sector is
calling for amendments to the original Directive 96/97
for operational reasons and to achieve further market
liberalization. Most believe that increased liberalization
of ground handling services in Europe would boost jobs,
investment and enhance competition.
Competition conundrum
Europe’s member state countries are free to interpret and
implement Directives issued by the European Commission
The European Union’s Ground
Handling Directive 96/97 covers
the provision of eleven categories
of service at airports that have
more than 50,000 movements a
year. This includes services such
as onwards transport, baggage handling, refueling, catering
and cleaning.
The directive was created 24 years ago with the
intention of liberalizing the ground handling services market
in Europe. According the European Business Aviation
Association (EBAA) the size of the liberalized market for