New IATA Standards Enhance Airport Ground Handling Efficiency

New IATA Standards Enhance Airport Ground Handling Efficiency

The 46th edition (2026) of the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) introduces significant revisions and additions across key areas including cargo and mail handling, aircraft handling and loading, load control, management and safety, aircraft movement control, ground handling agreements, airport ground support equipment specifications, and ground operations training programs. These updates aim to enhance standardization, safety, and efficiency in global airport ground handling operations. The changes reflect IATA's commitment to promoting best practices and ensuring safe and reliable ground services worldwide.

Aviation Leasing Market Shifts As Supply Chains Disrupt

Aviation Leasing Market Shifts As Supply Chains Disrupt

Uneven global air capacity recovery and supply chain bottlenecks are exacerbating aircraft delivery challenges. Airlines are increasingly reliant on the leasing market to address capacity shortages, driving up lease rates and giving lessors greater negotiating power. Industry experts disagree on the timeline for supply recovery, and rising cost pressures may dampen demand. Airlines need to strengthen their fleet planning to navigate these challenges. The surge in leasing demand highlights the critical role of aircraft leasing in supporting airline operations amidst ongoing disruptions.

Global Aviation Embraces Digital Transformation Via IATA Initiative

Global Aviation Embraces Digital Transformation Via IATA Initiative

The IATA's 'Digital Aircraft Operations' initiative aims to facilitate digital transformation for airlines, covering key areas like flight operations, maintenance, and supply chain. By leveraging technologies such as electronic signatures, aircraft health monitoring, electronic flight bags, and RFID, airlines can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. IATA provides comprehensive resources and an industry exchange platform to support the aviation industry in embracing a digital future. The initiative promotes standardized digital processes and data sharing for a more connected and efficient aviation ecosystem.

Antwerp Airport Emerges As Key Regional Hub

Antwerp Airport Emerges As Key Regional Hub

Antwerp International Airport (ANR) is a small international airport located in Antwerp, Belgium, operated by the Flemish government. Despite runway length limitations restricting larger aircraft, the airport provides efficient service to passengers with convenient transportation, modern facilities, and international routes. Future runway expansion plans are expected to enhance the airport's competitiveness, making it a more significant aviation hub connecting Antwerp to the world. This expansion aims to accommodate larger aircraft and increase the number of destinations served, further solidifying Antwerp's position in international air travel.

Xiangpeng Airlines Launches Intercontinental Route Marking a New Era for Lowcost Aviation

Xiangpeng Airlines Launches Intercontinental Route Marking a New Era for Lowcost Aviation

The launch of Xiangpeng Airlines' first intercontinental route from Kunming to Moscow marks a significant advancement in the low-cost airline sector. Operated by the first wide-body aircraft A330-300, the route aims to meet the growing demand for outbound tourism and align with China's 'Belt and Road' strategy. Xiangpeng Airlines plans to introduce 20 wide-body aircraft over the next five years to further expand its international market and enhance service quality, showcasing the airline's innovation and potential in the aviation industry.

07/28/2025 Logistics
Read More
Aviation Industry Adopts Collaborative Health Monitoring for Flight Safety

Aviation Industry Adopts Collaborative Health Monitoring for Flight Safety

The IATA-led Aviation Health Monitoring (AHM) symposium brought together industry experts to discuss enhancing aircraft health and ensuring flight safety. It emphasized the importance of collaboration and a unified approach, focusing on key concepts such as Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and Maintenance Steering Group (MSG). The discussion aimed to guide the future development of AHM, building a safer and more efficient future for aviation. The symposium highlighted the need for proactive measures and data-driven insights to improve aircraft maintenance and prevent potential safety issues.

01/16/2026 Airlines
Read More
IATA Upgrades Data Platform for Safer Greener Aviation

IATA Upgrades Data Platform for Safer Greener Aviation

IATA has upgraded its Global Aviation Data Management (GADM) platform, leveraging big data, machine learning, and AI to provide deeper insights for the aviation industry. The upgraded GADM offers significant advantages in identifying safety risks, assessing fuel efficiency, and calculating aircraft emissions. It can also predict aircraft performance, supporting strategic decision-making. IATA is transforming into a data-driven organization, helping the aviation industry achieve safer, more efficient, and sustainable operations. The platform aims to improve operational performance and mitigate potential hazards through advanced data analysis.

Airlines Face Financing Leasing Hurdles Amid Industry Turbulence

Airlines Face Financing Leasing Hurdles Amid Industry Turbulence

This paper delves into the financing challenges faced by airlines in the context of the financial crisis, exploring the future trends of the aircraft leasing market and providing practical leasing valuation methods. By analyzing the core competitiveness and risks of operating leasing companies, and comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different valuation techniques, it offers crucial insights for airlines to make informed leasing decisions in a complex and volatile market environment. The analysis aims to support strategic planning and risk management in aircraft acquisition and financing.

02/03/2026 Airlines
Read More
Efficient Air Cargo Relies on ULD Understanding

Efficient Air Cargo Relies on ULD Understanding

This paper delves into the concept, types, dimensions, and relationship with applicable aircraft models of ULDs (Unit Load Devices) in air cargo transportation. It details the common specifications of two main categories of ULDs: air freight containers and pallet & net combinations. The study emphasizes the dimensional constraints that must be considered during actual loading. Furthermore, it explores the matching of ULDs with aircraft types and discusses the future trends of ULDs towards intelligence and sustainable development. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of ULDs in air cargo logistics.