ABSTRACT
This chapter helps the students to identify the equipment involved in ground handling operations. Ground handling deals with all the activities that are undertaken in order to prepare an aircraft for the next flight. Deplaning is all about disembarking passengers from a flight. Delays in deplaning can cause delays elsewhere, as deplaning and enplaning are also the main factors contributing to the aircraft turnaround time. Stairs or passenger bridges are used for deplaning and enplaning/boarding. After waiting in the departure area or gate hold room and hearing the boarding announcement, the passenger moves to the gate. After pre-boarding verification, the passenger is led to the aircraft by walking, in a transfer vehicle or through a passenger jet bridge. In some locations, curb check-in is available, where the luggage is collected upon arrival of the passenger at the airport, before they proceed to the check-in area.
