In 2023, the aviation services industry produced a global revenue of US$ 64bn (equivalent to 7% of the
global civil aviation value chain) and provided 1.1m direct jobs (-12% compared to pre-pandemic levels).
It generated US$ 38bn of gross value added (GVA), whilst its total contribution including indirect and
induced GVA amounted to nearly US$ 100bn.
Considering important regional differences, the report highlights some worrying trends that underlie
the business of ground handling:
• Customers' intense focus on pricing, as they have been trimming their own costs over the last
decade.
• The highly competitive nature of the sector, characterized by low barriers to entry and high
labor intensity, leading to competition centered on costs rather than innovation.
• Challenges in recruitment and retention, evidenced by very high turnover rates, prompting the
introduction of sectoral agreements in some (albeit rare) jurisdictions.
• The absence of widely recognized and implemented industry standards affecting training and
consequently impacting safety records.
• Handlers' limited capacity to invest in new capital assets, hindering the industry's green
transition.
Fabio Gamba, Director General of ASA World, comments: “This report highlights the vital role our sector
plays in a safe and efficient aviation – you simply don’t fly without our services. Yet, it also exposes a
troubling imbalance between our importance and our revenue. For too long, a race to the bottom has
defined our business, with revenues declining by 4% annually over the past decade. This severely limits
investment in innovation, training, and job retention, as employees face declining wages while
productivity demand has increased by 17% in parallel. Tackling these hurdles for the common good of
air transport requires a change in the mindset. We are ready to do our part.”
The report validates the industry’s long-standing messages and provides hints on how to address its
challenges. It outlines actionable pathways to improve quality, safety, and sustainability, while
supporting the ecological transition and attracting future talent. ASA World calls on all stakeholders to
recognize the strategic importance of aviation services and align efforts to shape a resilient, innovative,
and sustainable future for this essential sector.
