Every aviation professional needs a solid foundation. Understanding how the aviation industry works is the first step towards building competence and confidence in airport operations. Aviation is a global industry where airlines, airports, ground handling service providers and other stakeholders work together to ensure safe and efficient operations. Understanding common aviation terminology, industry codes, operational procedures and responsibilities is essential for everyone

Animals are not ordinary cargo. Their safety and welfare depend on the people responsible for their journey. Every day, live animals travel by air across the world. From family pets and service animals to animals transported for conservation, breeding or scientific purposes, each journey requires careful planning, appropriate handling and professional attention. Live animals have specific needs that must be considered throughout the transportation process. Temperature, ventil

At the IATA World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC 2026) in Istanbul, Mark Searle, IATA Director of Safety, delivered an important message about the future of aviation safety. He highlighted three essential elements of a resilient aviation safety system: People. Technology. Standards. This central message was clear: these are not three separate priorities, but interconnected elements of the same safety system. When one is weak, the resilience of the entire system is re

International travel is becoming increasingly digital. Passports, visas, travel authorisations and passenger information are gradually moving from physical documents towards digital solutions. For passengers, this can make international travel faster and more convenient. For airlines and passenger handling staff, however, digitalisation also creates new challenges. A Digital Visa Still Needs to Be Verified IATA recently highlighted an important question: when a passenger arr

This week, Airport College International participated in Aviation Connect 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Athens. The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet customers, partners and aviation professionals from around the world. We had many valuable discussions about the future of ground handling and air cargo, including workforce development, operational safety, digital learning and practical competence. At our stand, we were pleased to present our latest eLearning and MicroL

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important part of the aviation industry. For ground handling companies, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) is not only about sustainability targets and reporting. It is also about everyday operational decisions and responsible business practices. ESG covers many areas relevant to ground handling: Environmental Responsibility - emissions, energy use, waste, resources and more sustainable equipment Social Responsibility - occup

Passenger handling is one of the most visible parts of airport and airline operations. From check-in and travel document verification to boarding, handling of arriving passengers, special assistance and disruption management, passenger handling employees have a direct impact on both the passenger experience and the safe and efficient operation of a flight. At the same time, passenger handling is becoming increasingly demanding. Employees need to understand operational procedu

Ground handling is a people-intensive, 24/7 business. Employees work in different roles, shifts and airport locations, while organisations must ensure they receive appropriate training, maintain competence and have accurate records. Here are five common training challenges and how eLearning can help. 1. High Staff Turnover and Continuous Onboarding Ground handling organisations train employees throughout the year because of recurrent training needs, seasonal demand, changing

Airport College International will be attending Aviation Connect 2026, taking place from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Athens in Greece. Aviation Connect brings together leading ground handling companies, airlines, air cargo organisations, ULD specialists and other key aviation stakeholders from around the world. This year, eight major industry communities come together under one roof, creating a unique forum for aviation decision-makers to connect, exchan

Air cargo is an essential part of the global aviation and logistics network, connecting airlines, ground handling companies, freight forwarders and logistics providers around the world. From general cargo and e-commerce to pharmaceuticals, perishables and live animals, every shipment requires safe, secure and compliant handling. With international operations, diverse workforces and continuously evolving requirements, consistent and effective training is essential. Supporting

In-flight catering is a highly specialised part of aviation operations. Behind every meal served onboard is a complex chain of activities involving food safety, security, logistics, airside operations, customer requirements and increasingly, sustainability. At the same time, catering organisations operate in an international environment with multicultural workforces, demanding operational schedules and strict compliance requirements. Ensuring that employees have the right kno

Summer is still in full swing, but August is also a good time to start looking ahead. As the holiday season gradually comes to an end, aviation organisations can use this opportunity to review their training needs and prepare their teams for the months ahead. Are recurrent courses approaching their renewal dates? Have new employees completed the required training? Are seasonal or returning employees ready for their duties? Identifying training needs early helps ensure that em

Airports are among the world’s most complex operational environments. Every day, thousands of people representing dozens of organisations work together to ensure that aircraft operate safely, securely, efficiently and on schedule. Whether an employee works in passenger services, ramp handling, cargo operations, aircraft maintenance, security, catering, flight operations or administration, every role contributes to the overall success of airport operations and the passenger ex

Operational excellence depends on more than processes and equipment. It relies on competent employees who understand their responsibilities and can perform their tasks consistently and safely. People Drive Performance The ramp is one of the most dynamic and demanding areas of aviation operations. Every day, teams work under time pressure while maintaining strict safety, security, and operational standards. Training for Real Operations Effective training helps reduce operation

Learning Beyond Compliance: A strong safety culture is not built through policies alone. It is created through the everyday actions, decisions, and behaviours of employees throughout the organisation. Continuous learning plays a important role in maintaining safety awareness and operational excellence. Regular training helps employees stay informed about procedures, understand emerging risks, and reinforce safe working practices. Supporting Safety Every Day Topics such as Hum

The aviation industry operates in a highly regulated and safety-critical environment where competence matters as much as compliance. Beyond Course Completion Traditionally, training programmes have focused on course completion and knowledge transfer. Today, many organisations are adopting competency-based approaches that place greater emphasis on an employee's ability to apply knowledge and skills in real operational situations. Building Real-World Competence Competency-bas

When aviation organisations think about reducing their environmental impact, the focus is often on aircraft, ground support equipment, or fuel efficiency. Yet one opportunity is frequently overlooked: training. Traditional classroom training can involve travel, printed materials, meeting facilities, and instructor logistics. When multiplied across hundreds or even thousands of employees, the environmental impact can become significant. The Digital Advantage eLearning allows e

The first half of 2026 has been a busy and exciting period for Airport College International. As the aviation industry continues to grow, we have focused on expanding our training portfolio, strengthening international partnerships, supporting regulatory compliance, and engaging with industry stakeholders around the world. Expanding Our Training Portfolio During the first half of 2026, we continued to expand our aviation training portfolio to support the evolving needs of air

Every summer, airports, airlines, and ground handling companies face the challenge of onboarding large numbers of seasonal employees within a short period. While temporary staff are essential for managing increased passenger and cargo volumes, they must be trained quickly without compromising safety, compliance, or operational standards. eLearning offers an efficient way to prepare seasonal workers for their roles. New employees can begin training immediately after recruitmen

Experiencing Midsummer in Finland – A Celebration of Light, Nature and Tradition As Midsummer approaches, Finland comes alive with light, celebration, and timeless traditions. Bonfires blaze on lakeshores, birch branches adorn doorways, and the scent of grilled food drifts through the air. In the country's Swedish-speaking regions, the maypole dances add an extra touch of joy to the festivities. Midsummer is one of Finland's most cherished celebrations, leaving a lasting im