Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-04-17 Origin: Site
While airlines have addressed rising fuel prices by passing these costs on to passengers via surcharges, many are also pushing their suppliers—including ground handling organizations (GHOs)—to absorb additional cost cuts.
This has resulted in a starkly uneven burden: ground handlers grapple with the same fuel-induced cost pressures as airlines, yet they are being asked to take on greater financial risk, with far fewer mechanisms to offset these expenses.
Staffing levels remain non-negotiable for ground handling operators. Labour accounts for 50 to 65% of GHOs’ operating costs, and the industry is unified in resisting staffing cuts as a short-term solution.
The lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic are unambiguous: workforce reductions during that period led to severe operational disruptions during the recovery phase, as many skilled, experienced personnel left the industry permanently. Ground handlers are resolute in avoiding a repeat of those mistakes.
These challenges are further exacerbated by reduced and unpredictable flight schedules, which are exerting significant strain on passenger-facing teams, as well as on the sector’s overall financial performance and cash flow.
An ASA spokesperson commented: “ASA supports its members with transparent market data and independent analysis to help them navigate these challenging conditions. Each operator makes its own commercial decisions independently, and ASA does not set, recommend, or coordinate pricing. The association remains fully committed to complying with competition laws.”
“ASA is calling on airlines and all aviation stakeholders to recognize that these pressures are shared, and to engage in open, constructive dialogue—all to ensure the long-term safety, resilience, and sustainability of ground operations worldwide.”
