Ground_Support_September2020 - 14

COVER STORY

Fabio Gamba, director general of the
Airport Services Association (ASA),
observes that COVID-19 has really been
affecting the whole value chain, not only
the airlines but all the contractors to airlines and the airports.
"The most difficult part is the uncertainty. In previous crises, one was typically
faced with a situation that was definitely
limited in time. This time we are faced with
something that has multiple different facets and that is characterized by almost an
impossibility to predict how long it will
last," he says.
"We have done our best to mitigate the
impact through managing our business
tightly and ensuring constant communication with our colleagues and our custom-

support skilled jobs until the end of 2021,"
says Walker.
"Implementation of a scheme of this
nature would prevent job losses and ensure
the sector can get back on its feet."

ers," adds Mervyn Walker, chief operating
officer (COO) at Menzies Aviation. "The
international government schemes have
been essential in supporting the industry
and helping to mitigate people costs, which
are often the largest expense."
While officials at Menzies remain confident in the long-term growth potential of
the aviation services market, they do not
anticipate a return to pre-COVID-19 levels
for some time.
"We have been coordinating efforts with
other ground handlers to ensure our sector
is not forgotten; currently we are encouraging governments around the world to
continue the job retention schemes that

and their passengers," says Dirk Goovaerts,
dnata's regional CEO for Asia Pacific.
Ground handling companies have
worked closely with airports to maximize
safety for passengers throughout their airport journey, from check-in to boarding.
"Check-in desks have been installed
with protective barriers and waiting areas
have been modified to help passengers
observe social distancing. The boarding
process is facilitated by our boarding agents
who wear the required PPE and ensure that
passengers board in small numbers," says
Goovaerts.
In addition, there has been an enhanced
aircraft cabin cleaning service.

COVID-19 Influences

Photo courtesy of dnata

Since the COVID-19 outbreak began, the
expert teams at dnata have worked to
develop and implement specific health and
safety programs, to minimize touchpoints
and enhance services, processes and training across its operations.
"We have run disinfection programs,
introduced new personal protective measures and further improved aircraft cleaning services to safeguard our skilled staff
and deliver safety for our airline partners

14 GROUND SUPPORT WORLDWIDE

SEPTEMBER 2020

"The process involves extensive cleaning
with a stronger disinfectant and includes a
comprehensive wipe down of all surfaces
- from windows, tray tables, seatback
screens, armrests, seats, in-seat controls,
panels, air vents and overhead lockers in
the cabin to lavatories, galleys and crew rest
areas," explains Goovaerts. "The on-board
cleaning chemicals are approved by the relevant authorities and proven to kill viruses
and germs. They leave a long-lasting protective coating against new contamination
of viruses, bacteria and fungi on surfaces,
and are eco-friendly.
"We also introduced aircraft fogging services," he continues. "A dedicated quality
team and shift managers oversee the cleaning on the majority of flights."
Duke LeDuc, regional operations manager at UAS International Trip Support,
observes that as a consequence of non-essential travel being halted to a large extent,
the reduction in movement of commercial
traffic also reduced airspace congestion but
added ramp congestion at some airports.
"Another consequence of the reduced
commercial capacity was the tightening
of the supply chain, which caused an
increased demand on cargo traffic. So many
of the normal approval flow processes
needed to shift very quickly. There were
more government entities that were now
becoming part of the approval process," he
says. "This added time and complexity to
each of the flights that were not as evidenced before."
Many of the handlers have had to adjust
working hours due to local restrictions and
curfews.
"Because of the frequent changes in
regulations and varied interpretation by
local authorities, it is critical to engage an
experienced local handler to help navigate
a smooth arrival and clearance through
the customs, immigration and quarantine
process," adds LeDuc. "New visa issuance
in some countries have been suspended,
so special waivers may need to be obtained
through diplomatic channels."
According to Adolfo Aragon, senior vice
president at Universal Aviation, COVID-19
has forced the business aviation industry
to find ways to overcome the downturn in
international travel due to the restrictions.

Ground_Support_September2020

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