ASA World has signed an MOU with IATA in a move the association said reinforces a commitment to advancing safety, efficiency and innovation.
The association – formerly ASA (Aviation Services Association) – said the partnership aims to foster collaboration on key initiatives impacting global standards, safety data sharing and resource pooling to enhance industry resilience.
ASA World director general Fabio Gamba said: “This is a momentous development happening between our two associations, and a milestone in our collaboration as we will now explore novel ways to offer additional value to our respective communities.
“It feels like air and ground, so complementary in real life, are finally formalising this state of affairs.”
Nick Careen, senior vice president of operations, safety and security at IATA, added: “Global standards make aviation safer, and ASA World and its members have been pivotal in helping develop the IATA ground handling standards we rely on today.
“By sharing data, we will be able to support this vital activity with data-driven insights and decisions.
“Maximising the impact of data relies on broad contributions. We encourage ground handler participation to strengthen our collective insights.”
Collaboration between the two industry associations will include mutual recognition and industry impact, enhanced synergies in project collaborations and co-ordinated communication and representation.
ASA announced it was rebranding to ASA World at the 2024 ASA Leadership Forum held in Istanbul, Turkey, last week, in a move to reflect the association’s global representation of ground service providers.
