ASA points out that against the backdrop of rising fuel prices in the aviation industry, airlines are passing on costs to passengers by charging additional fees and asking ground handling organizations (GHOs) to shoulder more cost-cutting measures, which has led to an uneven financial pressure on the ground handling sector. Ground handling agencies are facing the same fuel cost pressure as airlines but lack sufficient cost-offset mechanisms and, due to the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, are firmly opposed to layoffs (labor accounts for 50% to 65% of their operating costs). Moreover, the reduction and instability of flight schedules have further exacerbated the operational and financial pressure on the ground handling industry. ASA calls on airlines and aviation-related parties to face up to the issue of shared pressure and ensure the long-term safety, resilience and sustainability of global ground handling operations through open and constructive dialogue.
According to ACI World’s latest Airport Economics Report, global airport passenger traffic reached 9.4 billion in 2024, 4% higher than in 2019, while total revenue stood at $194.9 billion, 2.1% below pre-pandemic levels in real terms. Aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenues remained 3% and 9% below 2019 levels respectively, with full recovery expected in 2025 and mid-2026. Although the global ROIC rose to 6.3% in 2024, it still lagged behind the sector’s WACC, showing continued financial pressure. Airport revenues are projected to exceed 2019 levels in 2026, subject to financing, inflation, regulation and geopolitical risks. ACI called for supportive policies to enhance airport financial resilience and infrastructure investment.
The first electric ambulance for airport rescue services has entered service at Torino Airport.Turin is the first airport in Italy, and one of the first in Europe, to be equipped with a CO2-neutral vehicle to provide medical assistance to passengers and airport users.The electric ambulance is part o
The ibis Styles brand, renowned for its exceptional and unique designs at more than 560 hotels around the world, is growing thanks to a new addition at Munich Airport.The project officially got under way with the groundbreaking ceremony on May 30, 2023.The 358-room hotel is due to open in spring 202
