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CERTIFICATE: GROUND HANDLING OPERATIONS ‘JOB READY’

Every aircraft that departs on time does so because of the people who worked on the ground. This is where you learn to be one of them.
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The Foundation of Every Successful Turnaround
Ground handling is the engine aviation operations. The ramp, the check-in, the baggage, the cargo, — these are the environments where schedules are kept, where safety is maintained and where on-time performance matters the most.
IITA's Ground Handling Course provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of ground operations — from ramp safety and aircraft turnaround coordination to passenger handling, baggage management, and dangerous goods awareness. The programme is developed in alignment with IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) standards and is designed for candidates entering the industry without prior ground handling experience.
✈️ Ramp safety and turnaround operations
✈️ Dangerous goods awareness (IATA DGR)
✈️ Passenger and baggage handling procedures
A modular programme: choose your route
This certificate is modular. You can train in ramp operations, in check-in and passenger handling, or in both — depending on the role you want at the airport.
✈️ Ramp module: 4 months, including a 1-month placement. Airside safety, turnaround coordination, baggage operations and dangerous goods awareness.
✈️ Check-in module: around 3 months / 150 hours, including a 1-month placement. Check-in, boarding, special assistance and irregular operations.
✈️ Full programme (Ramp + Check-in): 6 months, including a 1-month placement. You qualify for roles across both areas, and it is more affordable than taking the two modules separately.
Graduates of the full programme leave with the profile ground handling operators ask for most: people who can work both sides of the turnaround, from the desk to ramp.
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What Ground Handling Professionals Actually Do
Ground handling is one of the most operationally demanding environments in aviation — and one of the most reliably employed. Skilled ground handling professionals are in sustained demand across Europe, and globally.
GROUND HANDLING COURSE
A ground handling professional's responsibilities span the full scope of aircraft turnaround:
✈️ Ramp operations — Aircraft marshalling, positioning of ground support equipment and ramp safety
✈️ Passenger handling — Check-in, boarding, special needs assistance, and irregular operations management
✈️ Baggage operations — Loading, unloading, reconciliation, and discrepancy baggage procedures
✈️ Load planning — weight and balance, load sheet and loading instruction preparation, and ULD management
✈️ Dangerous goods — IATA DGR awareness for ground handling staff, acceptance procedures, and handling requirements
✈️ Turnaround coordination — Communication with flight crew, operations control, and service providers to deliver on-time performance
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GROUND HANDLING COURSE BANNER
The IITA Ground Handling Course equips you with the practical skills and operational knowledge required to perform ground handling tasks safely, efficiently, and in line with industry standards — preparing you for a fast-paced and growing global aviation environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Over
100
aviation professionals trained by IITA

IATA -Aligned

Industry-standard ground operations

100%

Graduate employment rate

The IITA Air Cargo Operations Course teaches you all the essential skills to perform this role safely and efficiently, preparing you for a constantly growing global job market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Train with IITA?

IATA IGOM ALIGNMENT

The programme is developed in alignment with the IATA Ground Operations Manual — the standard that major airlines and handling agents apply in their ground operations worldwide.
IATA IGOM Alignment

PRACTICAL, OPERATIONAL FOCUS

Every topic in this programme is taught through real operational scenarios — so you arrive at work on your first day with a framework that actually applies.
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INDUSTRY PARTNER NETWORK

IITA's ground handling industry partners actively engage with programme graduates — giving you direct access to the organisations that are recruiting.

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

This programme is designed for candidates entering the ground handling industry for the first time — no previous aviation background is required.
Practical, Operational Focus
Ground Handling Is Where Aviation Happens.
Take the qualification that prepares you for one of aviation's most dynamic and reliably employed roles.
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Where can I work?

Ground Handling Organisations

Menzies Aviation, Swissport, Groundlink and handlers at airports across Europe and globally.

Airlines — Ground Operations

Ground operations departments at TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and other carriers.

Airport Operators

Operations and passenger services roles at European airports.

Cargo & Logistics

Ground handling roles at cargo terminals operated by DHL Aviation, FedEx, Cargolux, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the Certificate - Ground Handling Operations ‘Job Ready’ last? Can I take just one module/specialisation?

Yes. The course is modular, with three routes. The Ramp module runs for 4 months and includes a 1-month internship. The Check-in module runs for around 3 months (150 hours) and also includes a 1-month internship. If you take both modules, the full programme runs for 6 months, includes a 1-month internship, and costs less than taking the two modules separately. Get in touch and we’ll help you pick the route that fits your career goal.

Do I need prior aviation experience to take this programme?

No. The Ground Handling Course is designed as an entry-level programme for candidates with no prior aviation background.

Is the course aligned with IATA standards?

Yes. The programme is developed in alignment with the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), the international standard used by airlines and handling agents worldwide.

Does the Ground Handling Operations 'Job-Ready' programme include dangerous goods training?

Yes. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) awareness for ground handling personnel is a core component of the programme.

Does the course include an industry placement?

IITA actively supports graduates in identifying and securing opportunities with our industry partner network. Contact us for details of current placement support arrangements.

How do I register?

Click PRE-REGISTER at the top of this page and complete the registration form.

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