The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that the 37th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) will focus on the need to modernize operations, invest in workforce development, and enhance coordination and collaboration to improve performance.
“We are pleased to announce that Willie Walsh, director of Iata, said: “Ground treatment is important for safety, efficiency and resilience across the aviation industry. The keyword we will focus on at IGHC this year is “promotion.”
“We are looking for ways to promote better performance in the ground handling sector. That means modernizing operations, investing in the workforce, and strengthening coordination and collaboration so that ground handling can support growth more efficiently.”
IGHC will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by Kenya Airlines from May 13th to 15th, 2025. This is the first time the conference has been held on the African continent.
Speakers and sessions
The President of the Republic of Kenya, his Excellency, Dr. William Samoei Rut, Director Willie Walsh, and CEO of Kenya Airways, Alan Kirabuka will be one of the keynote speakers for the event.
The meeting will include plenary sessions, specialized tracks, workshops and coping.
Ground operation: reliability of ground support equipment (GSE), transition to hydrogen-powered GSE, benefits of harmonized training, key safety focus areas for ground personnel. Baggage control: For the first time, dedicated sessions cover real-time baggage tracking, transitioning to the latest messaging standards, and transitioning to electronic bag tags. Collaboration and Innovation: The discussion explores airport-ground handler collaboration, provides insight into privatization and explores future ground processing regulations.
African spotlights
Recognizing the important role ground operations play in Africa's growing aviation sector, Republic of Kenya President Dr. William Samoye Ruto attended the conference and expanded invitations to regulators and aviation authorities across the continent.
Dr. William Samoye Ruto of the Republic of Kenya said:
“Welcome and support of Kenya's IGHC is an example of the importance Kenya has in the aviation sector and its expectations as a sector-leading development across Kenya and the continent.”
Hosting IGHC 2025 in Nairobi highlights IATA's commitment to supporting aviation growth in Africa, in line with broader efforts under the Focus Africa initiative.
“We're looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Alan Kirabuka, CEO of Kenya Airways.
“IGHC's hosting is consistent with its mission to promote innovation, promote partnerships and showcasing preparations to shape Africa's global air travel future.
“The host of IGHC 2025 in Kenya reaffirms our commitment to moving the industry forward both domestically and continentally to unlock prosperity and connectivity.”
