Ground Handling Agent
Also written as: GHA — Ground Handling Agent
A company or organisation contracted to provide ground services to airlines at an airport, including baggage handling, aircraft servicing, ramp operations, and passenger handling.
Full Definition
A Ground Handling Agent (GHA) is a third-party service provider operating under a contract with one or more airlines to deliver a range of ground support services at an airport. These services may include check-in, baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, catering uplift coordination, fuelling supervision, load control, and apron marshalling. Some airlines self-handle (i.e., operate their own ground handling subsidiary). The EU Ground Handling Directive (96/67/EC) opened the market to multiple handlers at qualifying airports. Editors should be aware that 'ground handler,' 'handling agent,' and 'GHA' are used interchangeably in industry documents; house style should determine the preferred form.
Usage
Usage note: Standardise on one form throughout a document—'GHA,' 'ground handling agent,' or 'handling agent'—per house style. Note that 'ramp agent' typically refers to an individual operative, while 'GHA' refers to the company.
In Context
- "The airline appointed a new ground handling agent at its hub following a competitive tender process." — Airline commercial announcement
- "The GHA must comply with all provisions of the Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) as issued by IATA." — Service level agreement preamble