✈️ Top Tier Talks: Mastering Ground Handling for Enhanced Airport Operations
📍 Dubai World Trade Centre – Airport Show 2025
🕐 6 May 2025 | 14:50–15:15
The Dubai Airline Operators Committee (AOC) was proud to take center stage at this year’s Airport Show for one of the most critical conversations in airport efficiency: Ground Handling — the unsung hero of aviation operations.
Moderated by Shabab Attarzadeh, Chairman of Dubai AOC, the session opened with a powerful reminder that in today’s high-volume, high-expectation aviation landscape, ground handling isn’t just support — it’s strategy.
We were honored to host a stellar panel of industry leaders and innovators:
👤 Charles Thompson, VP Ground Handling – Etihad Airport Services
👤 Dr. Heba Kurdi, AI Research Affiliate – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
👤 Ciaran O’Sullivan O’Sullivan, DVP Airline Services UAE – dnata
👤 John Dyett, VP Baggage Service Delivery – Dubai Airports
Together, the panel explored critical challenges and emerging opportunities across:
🔹 Automation & turnaround time reduction
🔹 Innovations in baggage handling & customer trust
🔹 Stakeholder coordination for on-time performance
🔹 AI-driven predictive ground operations
🔹 Monetization of ground services through premium offerings
💡 Key Takeaway:
Ground handling is no longer just operational — it’s transformational.
Our deepest thanks to all panelists and attendees for contributing to a session filled with insight, momentum, and purpose.
💬 We welcome your thoughts: What innovations do you believe will define the next era of ground operations?
