Handling operations course
Online course of 300 hours in ground handling operations. 6 modules covering ground handling services, ramp operations and turnaround, passengers and baggage, apron equipment and safety and handling management and digitalisation, applying Directive 96/67/EC, the IATA AHM and IGOM, with an assigned technical tutor.
Handling operations course — studying from New Zealand
Fees for New Zealand: NZ$1,280 (New Zealand dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Questions from New Zealand
What language are the programmes taught in?
All programmes are taught in English.
Are SEIUM qualifications recognised as degrees in New Zealand?
No. SEIUM qualifications are private qualifications and are not official state degrees. They are best viewed as professional development and specialisation. Check with Engineering New Zealand or the relevant employer about any specific recognition you need.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe ground handling services and their regulatory framework.
Plan turnaround tasks and their critical path.
Manage passenger and baggage processes.
Apply apron safety procedures.
Size staff and equipment according to the flight schedule.
Use service quality and punctuality indicators.
Draw up a ground handling operations plan for an airport.
Who it's for
- Ramp supervisors.
- Ground handling operations coordinators.
- Passenger service agents.
- Ground handling quality managers.
- Ground handling resource planners.
- Apron safety managers.
- Engineering or science graduates aiming to join ground handling companies.
What you'll work with
- Directive 96/67/EC (access to the ground handling market)
- IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM)
- IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM)
- Royal Decree 1161/1999 (Spanish ground handling services rules)
- Regulation (EU) 139/2014 (aerodrome requirements)
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 (civil aviation security)
- Regulation (EC) 1107/2006 (passengers with reduced mobility)
- Amadeus Altéa DCS
- SITA WorldTracer
- Inform GroundStar
- Microsoft Project
6 modules
1.1Categories of ground handling services1.2Directive 96/67/EC and liberalisation1.3Self-handling and third-party handling1.4Ground handling licences in Spain1.5The IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA)1.6Service level agreements1.7Ground handling costs and rates1.8Stakeholders on the apron1.9Organisation of a ground handling company1.10Case study: reading an SGHA annex
2.1Phases of the turnaround2.2Arrival on stand and chocks2.3Connecting GPU and pre-conditioned air2.4Hold loading and unloading2.5Refuelling with passengers on board2.6Cabin cleaning and catering2.7Push-back and towing2.8Turnaround critical path2.9Prevention of aircraft damage2.10Practical exercise: Gantt chart of a turnaround
3.1Check-in and DCS systems3.2Boarding management3.3Assistance to passengers with reduced mobility3.4Mishandled baggage and WorldTracer3.5Baggage sorting and loading3.6Management of inadmissible passengers3.7Operational irregularities and re-accommodation3.8Passenger care during contingencies3.9Service quality indicators3.10Workshop: managing a mass cancellation
4.1Motorised and non-motorised GSE4.2Electrification of ground equipment4.3Maintenance of handling equipment4.4Staff safety on the ramp4.5FOD prevention on the apron4.6Jet blast and engine ingestion hazards4.7Operations in adverse weather4.8IGOM standardised procedures4.9ISAGO safety audits4.10Case study: analysis of aircraft damage
5.1Shift and resource planning5.2Staff training and qualifications5.3Punctuality indicators5.4Integration into A-CDM5.5Resource management systems5.6Real-time turnaround monitoring5.7Management of subcontracting5.8SMS in ground handling companies5.9Sustainability in ramp operations5.10Lab: resource allocation for a wave of flights
6.1Selection of the study airport6.2Analysis of the flight schedule6.3Staff sizing6.4Equipment sizing6.5Key operating procedures6.6Apron safety plan6.7Service quality indicators6.8Estimate of operating costs6.9Report and presentation6.10Final project: final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original regulations and applied exercises. The working software is Amadeus Altéa DCS, SITA WorldTracer, Inform GroundStar and Microsoft Project, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: turnaround analysis for a single-aisle aircraft, sizing of handling resources and an apron safety audit. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final project.
Standards covered: Directive 96/67/EC, IATA AHM, IATA IGOM, Spanish Royal Decree 1161/1999, Regulation (EU) 139/2014, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998, Regulation (EC) 1107/2006.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours over 3 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Amadeus Altéa DCS, SITA WorldTracer, Inform GroundStar and Microsoft Project, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute certificate, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
No prior qualification is required; you need a computer able to run the programme software and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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