TURNAROUND COORDINATOR. YES OR NOT?

• Main Author: Martin HROMÁDKA
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Silesian University of Technology 2013-12-01
• Series: Transport Problems
• Subjects: aircraft turnaround; apron safety; turnaround coordinator; liberalization
• Online Access: http://transportproblems.polsl.pl/pl/Archiwum/2013/zeszyt4/2013t8z4_06.pdf

Both low cost carriers ‘fresh wind’ and liberalisation of ground handling market makes airlines to be cost-wise in every single field. Thus, ground handling contract are cutting down in terms of their costs. Handling companies struggle with pressure being put from the market environment, they rush 25 minutes turnaround with couple of people. This can be potentially dangerous from the safety point of view. One of possible solutions seems to be introducing turnaround coordinator, person who would supervise the ramp handling procedures. This paper discusses the role of turnaround coordinator within the aircraft turnaround process. Duties and responsibilities of this person are described. However, not every airport is staffing this position. The survey shows that smaller airports pay much more attention to this issue than the big ones.