Best Ground Handling & Support Services Award

This award recognises excellence in the delivery of ground handling and support services within the aviation sector in Ireland. Open to companies operating at airports on the island of Ireland or with a significant presence supporting Irish aviation operations, this category celebrates those who demonstrate outstanding operational performance, safety standards, customer service, innovation, and overall contribution to the smooth running of airport and airline operations. Entrants may include providers of passenger and ramp handling, baggage and cargo services, aircraft cleaning, de-icing, refuelling, catering logistics, or any other essential ground support services. Entry is by a 5 A4 page submission; the judges will be looking for clear information, supported by evidence, that addresses the following criteria:

• Service Overview: Provide a brief summary of your organisation, including the range of ground handling or support services offered, airport locations served, number of staff, clients, and years in operation. Highlight your core areas of expertise.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrate how your team delivers consistent, efficient, and reliable services. Include metrics such as turnaround times, on-time performance support, safety records, or performance KPIs. Describe procedures, training, or systems that ensure smooth operations.
• Safety & Compliance: Outline how you meet and exceed safety and regulatory standards. Describe your safety culture, staff training programmes, incident management protocols, and compliance with international or national aviation guidelines.
• Customer Service & Airline Partnerships: Describe how you work collaboratively with airline clients, airport authorities, and other stakeholders. Provide examples of how you deliver high-quality service, respond to airline or passenger needs, and enhance the end-to-end travel experience.
• Innovation & Technology: Showcase any technology, automation, or process improvements introduced in the past 12 months that have increased efficiency, safety, or customer satisfaction. This may include digital check-in systems, equipment upgrades, sustainability practices, or workforce management tools.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Explain how your organisation has responded to recent challenges (e.g. weather disruption, staffing shortages, demand surges). Describe your contingency planning, adaptability, and ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
• Sustainability & Environmental Considerations: Provide details of any environmental initiatives, such as reduced ground emissions, electric ground support equipment (eGSE), recycling, waste reduction, or sustainable fuel logistics.