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Bostonair Safety & Compliance Services

Ground Handling SMS Implementation & Training

With new EASA Ground Handling Regulations introducing mandatory Safety Management System (SMS) requirements, Bostonair Group provides dedicated Ground Handling SMS implementation and training services to support Ground Handling Organisations (GHOs) through regulatory change.

We help organisations understand the requirements, implement compliant systems, and embed SMS into daily ground and ramp operations, ensuring readiness for oversight while delivering genuine safety improvements.

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60%

of aircraft ground damage occurs on the ramp

80%

of incidents involve human factors

50%

of aviation audit findings relate to ineffective SMS

What are the new EASA Ground Handling regulations?

For the first time, European Union Aviation Safety Agency has introduced a harmonised, EU-wide regulatory framework governing ground handling services.

Under these regulations, GHOs operating at EASA-regulated aerodromes must:

  • Implement and maintain a formal Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Demonstrate hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control across all ground handling activities
  • Establish safety performance monitoring and continuous improvement processes
  • Maintain documented procedures, training records, and reporting systems
  • Declare compliance to the competent authority and support ongoing regulatory oversight and audits

SMS is no longer best practice or voluntary,  it is a regulatory requirement with defined accountability and oversight.

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40%

fewer repeat audit findings following effective SMS implementation

35%

fewer non-conformities with role-based SMS training in place

25%

fewer ground damage events through structured ramp risk management

How the Regulations Affect Ground Handling Organisations

The new requirements introduce practical and operational change, not just additional documentation.

For GHOs, this means:

  • Mandatory SMS implementation, proportionate to the size and complexity of operations
  • Greater regulatory scrutiny, including audits and inspections focused on SMS effectiveness
  • Increased expectations from airports and airline customers, where SMS compliance may form part of contractual requirements
  • Operational impact across teams, requiring training, reporting culture, and clear safety governance

Organisations without an effective SMS risk regulatory findings, operational disruption, and reputational impact.

Where Bostonair Fits in

Bostonair supports GHOs at every stage of compliance, from early preparation through to full implementation and audit readiness.
Our role is to translate regulatory requirements into practical, working systems that suit real ground handling environments.

View our Ground Handling SMS services below:

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Our Ground Handling SMS Services:

SMS Gap Analysis

We assess your current safety arrangements against current and upcoming EASA Ground Handling SMS requirements, identifying gaps and compliance priorities.

  • Review of existing processes and documentation
  • Gap mapping against regulatory expectations
  • Clear, structured action plan to achieve compliance

SMS Design & Implementation

We design and implement EASA-compliant SMS frameworks tailored to your operation, scale, and risk profile.

  • SMS structure, governance, and accountability
  • Integration with existing operational and quality systems
  • Practical application within ramp and turnaround activities

Safety Policies, Procedures & Reporting Systems

We develop the documentation and systems needed to support a compliant and effective SMS.

  • Safety policy and safety objectives
  • Occurrence and hazard reporting processes
  • Procedures aligned to EASA SMS expectations

Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment

We implement risk management processes specific to ground handling and ramp activities.

  • Task-based hazard identification
  • Risk assessment and mitigation measures
  • Ownership and monitoring of safety controls

Safety Performance Monitoring & Improvement

We help organisations demonstrate SMS effectiveness over time.

  • Safety performance indicators (SPIs)
  • Monitoring and trend analysis
  • Corrective action and continuous improvement processes

SMS Training for GHO

We deliver role-based SMS training to ensure understanding and engagement across the organisation.

Training available for:

  • Accountable Managers
  • Supervisors and team leaders
  • Operational and ramp staff

Audit Readiness & Support

We support organisations in preparing for audits and regulatory engagement.

  • Audit readiness reviews and mock audits
  • Evidence preparation and SMS maturity support
  • Assistance responding to regulatory findings

Why Choose Bostonair...

With over 40 qualified auditors, inspectors and instructors, Bostonair combines regulatory expertise with hands-on aviation and ground handling experience. We understand how SMS needs to work in live operational environments, not just on paper.

Our Ground Handling SMS frameworks are:
  • Fully aligned with EASA Ground Handling regulations, meeting both current and upcoming oversight expectations
  • Practical and usable on the ramp, shaped around real turnarounds, human factors and operational pressures
  • Clear, auditable and easy to maintain, with evidence that stands up to regulatory scrutiny
  • Focused on genuine safety improvement, not paperwork for the sake of compliance

Ground Handling SMS is not delivered in isolation. Bostonair also supports organisations across the wider aviation safety and compliance landscape, bringing valuable crossover experience into every SMS project. This includes:

  • Independent audits and inspections across ground handling, airside operations, Part 145, CAMO and Part 147
  • IATA-aligned audit programmes, including DAQCP and IFQP
  • SMS implementation and training across multiple aviation sectors
  • Operational risk management and human factors expertise, embedded into day-to-day delivery
  • Audit readiness and regulator engagement support, built on extensive oversight experience

This breadth of experience allows Bostonair to deliver Ground Handling SMS that is proportionate, operationally embedded and ready for real-world oversight.

View all our Safety & Compliance Services

Meet some of our expert team...

Amy Keep

Head of Compliance Services

Neil McDiarmid

Head of Business Development