The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced that the thirty seventh IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the necessity to modernize operations, spend money on workforce improvement, and strengthen coordination and collaboration to enhance performance.
“Ground handling is critical for the safety, efficiency and resilience of the entire aviation industry. The key word we will focus on at this year’s IGHC is “elevate”. We’ll be searching for methods to drive higher performance within the floor dealing with sector. That means modernizing operations, investing within the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration in order that floor dealing with can assist development much more effectively,” mentioned Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
IGHC is going down in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 to 15 May 2025, hosted by Kenya Airways. It is the primary time that the convention will likely be hosted on the African continent.
Speakers and Sessions
The President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, and the Chief Executive Officer of Kenya Airways, Allan Kilavuka will likely be among the many keynote audio system on the occasion.
The convention will function plenary classes, specialised tracks and workshops, addressing:
- Ground Operations: The reliability of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), the transition to hydrogen-powered GSE, the advantages of harmonized coaching, and key security focus areas for floor personnel.
- Baggage Operations: For the primary time, a devoted session will cowl real-time baggage monitoring, the transition to fashionable messaging requirements, and the shift to digital bag tags.
- Collaboration and Innovation: Discussions will discover airport–floor handler collaboration, present insights into privatization, and look at upcoming floor dealing with laws.
Spotlight on Africa
In recognition of the important function that floor operations play throughout Africa’s rising aviation sector, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya will attend the convention and has prolonged invites to regulators and aviation authorities from throughout the continent.
“Aviation opens a world of economic and social development opportunities, and aviation’s greatest potential is to make a real difference to the prosperity of people in Africa. Welcoming and supporting the IGHC in Kenya is an example of the importance that Kenya places on the aviation sector and the expectations that we have for it as a sector leading development in Kenya and across the continent,” mentioned H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.
Hosting IGHC 2025 in Nairobi underscores IATA’s dedication to supporting aviation development in Africa, according to its broader efforts underneath the Focus Africa initiative.
“As Africa’s aviation leader, Kenya Airways is honored to pioneer this landmark event. Hosting IGHC aligns with our mission to drive innovation, foster partnerships, and showcase Africa’s readiness to shape the future of global air travel. Hosting IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to advancing the industry—both domestically and continentally—to unlock prosperity and connectivity,” mentioned Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways.
