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GROUND HANDLING COURSE

Every aircraft that departs on time does so because of the people who worked the ground. This is where you learn to be one of them.
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The Foundation of Every Successful Turnaround
Become part of an elite professional team responsible for managing cargo operations on aircraft worldwide.
Ground handling is the engine room of aviation operations. The ramp, the check-in desk, the baggage belt, the cargo shed — these are the environments where schedules are kept or lost, where safety is maintained or compromised, and where the physical reality of aviation takes place.
IITA's Ground Handling Course provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of ground operations — from ramp safety and aircraft turnaround coordination to passenger handling, baggage management, and dangerous goods awareness. The programme is developed in alignment with IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) standards and is designed for candidates entering the industry without prior ground handling experience.
✈️ Ramp safety and apron operations
✈️ Dangerous goods awareness (IATA DGR)
✈️ Passenger and baggage handling procedures
With an optional placement at a European air base, this programme offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world sector experience and launch a solid career.
GROUND HANDLING COURSE BANNER
The Loadmaster Certificate offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world sector experience and launch a solid career.
✈️ Practical training — no university degree required
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What Ground Handling Professionals Actually Do
Ground handling is one of the most operationally demanding environments in aviation — and one of the most reliably employed. Skilled ground handling professionals are in sustained demand across Portugal, Europe, and globally.
A ground handling professional's responsibilities span the full scope of aircraft turnaround:
✈️ Ramp operations — Aircraft marshalling, positioning of ground support equipment, FOD prevention, and apron safety
✈️ Passenger handling — Check-in, boarding, special needs assistance, and irregular operations management
✈️ Baggage operations — Loading, unloading, reconciliation, and mishandled baggage procedures
✈️ Load planning — Basic understanding of weight and balance, load sheet preparation, and ULD management
✈️ Dangerous goods — IATA DGR awareness for ground handling staff, acceptance procedures, and storage requirements
✈️ Turnaround coordination — Communication with flight crew, operations control, and service providers to deliver on-time performance
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Loadmasters work across a wide range of aviation operations:
✈️ Air cargo companies – Handling of valuable or dangerous goods (eg, DHL Adviation, FedEx)
✈️ Commercial airlines – Cargo and baggage management (eg, TAP Air Cargo, Luthansa Cargo)
✈️ Military forces – Coordination of military equipment transport, tactical airdrops, and humanitarian airlifts
✈️ Humanitarian organisations — Transport of essential supplies for disaster relief and emergency operations worldwide
🌍 Growth prospects:
The demand for qualified air cargo operations specialists continues to accelerate. Global air freight volumes are expanding — driven by e-commerce, pharmaceutical logistics, and just-in-time supply chains — generating international career opportunities and strong prospects for professional advancement.
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The IITA Ground Handling Course equips you with the practical skills and operational knowledge required to perform ground handling tasks safely, efficiently, and in line with industry standards — preparing you for a fast-paced and growing global aviation environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Over
100
aviation professionals trained by IITA

IATA IGOM Aligned

Industry-standard ground operations

100%

Graduate employment rate

The IITA Air Cargo Operations Course teaches you all the essential skills to perform this role safely and efficiently, preparing you for a constantly growing global job market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHY TRAIN WITH IITA?

IATA IGOM Alignment

The programme is developed in alignment with the IATA Ground Operations Manual — the standard that major airlines and handling agents apply in their ground operations worldwide.
IATA IGOM Alignment

Practical, Operational Focus

Every topic in this programme is taught through real operational scenarios — so you arrive at work on your first day with a framework that actually applies.
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Industry Partner Network

IITA's ground handling industry partners actively engage with programme graduates — giving you direct access to the organisations that are recruiting.
Industry Partner Network

No Prior Experience Required

This programme is designed for candidates entering the ground handling industry for the first time — no previous aviation background is required.
Practical, Operational Focus
Ground Handling Is Where Aviation Happens.
Take the qualification that prepares you for one of aviation's most dynamic and reliably employed roles.
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WHERE CAN I WORK?

Ground Handling Organisations

Menzies Aviation, Swissport, Groundforce, and handlers at airports across Portugal and Europe.

Airlines — Ground Operations

Ground operations departments at TAP Air Portugal, Ryanair, easyJet, and other carriers.

Airport Operators

Operations and passenger services roles at ANA Aeroportos de Portugal and European airports.

Cargo & Logistics

Ground handling roles at cargo terminals operated by DHL Aviation, FedEx, Cargolux, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need prior aviation experience to take this course?

No. The Ground Handling Course is designed as an entry-level programme for candidates with no prior aviation background.

Is the course aligned with IATA standards?

Yes. The programme is developed in alignment with the IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM), the international standard used by airlines and handling agents worldwide.

Does the course include dangerous goods training?

Yes. IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) awareness for ground handling personnel is a core component of the programme.

Does the course include an industry placement?

IITA actively supports graduates in identifying and securing opportunities with our industry partner network. Contact us for details of current placement support arrangements.

How do I register?

Click PRE-REGISTER at the top of this page and complete the registration form.

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