With the estimated annual cost to aviation of over USD $ 4bn for aircraft damage sustained on the ground it is time to take a different approach to this vital topic.

There are many well-meaning groups that address areas of this problem but somehow most of this work fails to get to the market and make a difference.

The only way our industry can tackle this problem is to sit down together and together means that the airframe manufacturers, the airlines, the ground handlers and of course the GSE manufacturers must all be around the same table, exchanging views openly and sharing practices and experiences that are proven to have worked.

Airbus, the Airport Services Association and Ground Handling International are jointly organising a special 2 day event that will take place in Toulouse at the Airbus headquarters from 19 - 20 June, 2012.

The framework for this meeting will include the following terms of reference:

The format of this meeting will be a combination of high level presentations and open forum debates, with the opportunity to break out into smaller groups when required.

A commitment from all stakeholders to the common goal is acknowledged but we now require some commitment from the individual stakeholders to support and contribute to this inaugural event.

Be part of the change!

1. The airlines explaining exactly what their issues are in terms of scope and cost and then recommending what, according to them, should be done by the other stakeholders. Their experience as operators, in the case of self-handling and as an outsourced service recipient, enables them to offer a valuable two-sided insight.

2. This will cover aircraft design, new aircraft materials, procedures, GSE design and training.

3. The other stakeholders will respond to the airlines and focus points will be determined and areas of cooperation by all stakeholders identified.

4. The ground handlers will then be able to contribute with practical advice and suggestions on common procedures, GSE homogenisation and their future requirements.

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