Ground Handling
Ground Handling refers to all the services required for an aircraft between landing and take-off at an airport. Think of it as everything that happens to prepare a plane while it's on the ground. This includes passenger services (like check-in and boarding), baggage handling, aircraft cleaning and servicing, cargo loading, and making sure the plane is ready for its next flight. It's similar to how a pit crew works in auto racing, but for commercial aircraft. When you see this term on a resume, it usually indicates experience in airport operations or airline service coordination.
Examples in Resumes
Supervised a team of 50 staff members performing Ground Handling operations at JFK International Airport
Managed Ground Handling services for 100+ daily flights, ensuring on-time performance
Coordinated Ground Handling Operations for international and domestic flights
Typical job title: "Ground Handling Agents"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Ground Handling Agents
Professional Aviation Communities
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where multiple aircraft require ground handling services simultaneously with limited staff?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss prioritization strategies, resource allocation, contingency planning, and coordination with various departments to maintain safety and efficiency.
Q: What experience do you have with improving ground handling efficiency and reducing turnaround times?
Expected Answer: Should describe specific examples of process improvements, team coordination strategies, and how they measured and achieved better performance metrics.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you ensure safety compliance in ground handling operations?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic safety protocols, daily briefings, equipment checks, and coordination with different teams to maintain safety standards.
Q: What steps do you take when handling a delayed flight situation?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of communication procedures, resource management, and problem-solving to minimize delays and maintain customer satisfaction.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the main responsibilities in ground handling operations?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list basic duties like baggage handling, aircraft marshaling, passenger services, and understanding of safety procedures.
Q: How would you handle a difficult customer situation during check-in?
Expected Answer: Should show basic customer service skills, knowledge of airline policies, and ability to handle challenging situations professionally.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic ground handling procedures
- Safety awareness and compliance
- Customer service skills
- Equipment operation basics
Mid (2-5 years)
- Team coordination
- Problem-solving in operations
- Emergency procedure management
- Resource allocation
Senior (5+ years)
- Operations management
- Staff training and development
- Process improvement
- Strategic planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of safety awareness or certification
- No experience with time-sensitive operations
- Poor understanding of airline regulations
- Limited knowledge of airport operations
