Lesson 8

This refers to the wide range of services provided to facilitate an aircraft flight or aircraft ground repositioning, preparation for, and upon conclusion of a flight which will include both customer service and ramp service functions.

A customer service function where passenger service agents will ensure that the appropriate number of check-in desks are available, staffed, and have the appropriate identification signage as well as directing and controlling the flow of passengers in an orderly and efficient manner.

Customer Service Agents will  accommodate to rebooking passengers who have missed connections or providing meal and accommodation vouchers, or alternate transportation arrangements, in the event of delay or cancellation of flights

Airline tickets can not be purchased on the spot at the terminals.

Ground agents will make appropriate boarding announcements, conduct final passenger screening and document verification and provide a final passenger manifest and customs documentation to the aircraft crew.

This ramp process at some aerodromes starts as the aircraft approaches the apron with the provision of a Follow Me Vehicle to guide the aircraft to its assigned parking stand.

Movement of an aircraft to or from a maintenance facility, a remote parking stand, or from one gate to another will be accomplished on an "as required" basis

As the departure time approaches, these items will be disconnected and removed as directed by the flight crew

Flight crews will perform a preflight inspection of the aircraft in preparation for flight.

The inherent risks in the ground handling process, especially for ramp services are numerous.

Prior to departure, the flight crew will be provided with the appropriate documentation inclusive of a fuel uplift receipt

Passenger comfort items such as pillows and blankets will be replaced as required and, where applicable, newspapers will be brought on board

Galley and bar stock will be replenished

What does ULD mean in aviation?

Safeguarding and supervising  any unaccompanied minors (UMs) from check-in to aircraft boarding and from aircraft deplaning to release to a parent or other authorized person is part of the Irregular operations' functions.