The government has set out key areas for the aviation industry to focus on to avoid repeating last summer’s travel disruption.
The publication of the list concludes a review of the ground handling market, which the government committed to last June as part of its wider 22-point plan for tackling aviation disruption.
The report found that staffing shortages were a major factor in last summer’s disruption, with ground handlers struggling to recruit enough staff in time for the peak travel season after coronavirus restrictions were lifted, as well as facing issues with onboarding processes.
Aviation minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said: “The misery passengers faced last year when their flights were severely delayed or cancelled at the last minute was simply unacceptable.
“We’ve made it clear that improvements can and must be made, so the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is working closely with the industry to build a resilient ground handler market for years to come.”
Since the problems last summer, the aviation industry has made significant progress to improve its resilience. To ensure this progress continues, the government has also proposed: further exploration of how to improve how ground handlers’ performance is measured and monitored; better engagement between ground handlers and the government, including through the new Aviation Services UK trade association; continued support from the government and industry’s Generation Aviation programme for recruitment, retention, upskilling and outreach; and establishing a series of working groups involving airports, airlines and ground handlers to address areas including airport ID processes and performance standards.
Baroness Vere UK aviation industry representatives last week to discuss Easter preparedness.
Image: London Heathrow Airport
