34th IATA Ground Handling Conference

The IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) is one of the industry's premier conferences, bringing together industry leaders from airlines, airports, ground service providers to manufacturers for a 3 day forum of networking and business development. It provides a unique platform for the discussion and implementation of industry standards, policies and procedures.

This year, it will focus on improving implementation procedures and operations, forging sustainable new agreements and leveraging and empowering the workforce to deliver sustainable sound solutions.

JAPAN AIRLINES INTERNATIONAL NETWORK PLANS

In response to the changes caused by Covid-19, JAL is to increase the number of flights on East Asia routes (excluding Seoul routes) from June to July 2022 with additional flights on some Southeast Asia routes. JAL recommends the use of the Quarantine Fast Track provided by the Japanese government upon entry into Japan. Fast Track is available for those who have installed the "MySOS" application in advance and have confirmed that the screen on the application is green, meaning the procedures for arrival in Japan will be completed more smoothly.

JAL will increase the number of flights on the Hong Kong route from 4 outbound and 2 inbound flights per week to and from Haneda and Narita during the period. The number of flights will be increased to 10 per week. Increase flights will also be available on the Narita-Kuala Lumpur/Jakarta and Haneda-Manila routes. This will make the Kuala Lumpur flight daily from July.

DRAMATIC INCREASE IN AIRPORT CHARGES

IATA has warned that a proposed 37% increase in airport charges in the Netherlands risks significant damage to the recovery of air connectivity in the country.

Following a formal review in which IATA and several airlines participated, it accepted the airport’s position that due to losses incurred during the pandemic shutdown, it must raise airport charges by a cumulative 37% over the next 3 years.

Air travel has still not recovered from biggest hit in aviation history. IATA’s Connectivity Index shows the Netherlands is still 35% below its 2019 peak. The increased costs means the aviation sector in the Netherlands is not as competitive as it was.