Pursuing Safety Improvement through Industry Safety Programme

By Civil Aviation Department (CAD)

CAD encourages the aviation industry to continuously improve their safety standards. Harmonizing with industry best practice through participation in industry safety programmes would be one of the means. There are sector-specific programmes run by the respective international organisations, for example, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) programme, which is a programme for the global oversight of ground handling service providers (GHSPs). Among others, ISAGO programme aims to improve safety performance of GHSPs and reduction of safety risks in ground operations.

This year, IATA is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its ISAGO programme. Taking this opportunity, CAD has invited Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), a pioneer of the scheme who has maintained its ISAGO registration status since launch, to share its accreditation journey, and the IATA and Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) to share related developments.


Achieving Safety Excellence through IATA ISAGO Accreditation

A chat with Hactl’s Mr Benny Siu, Head of Safety, Sustainability and Quality Assurance in September 2023

  1. As the world’s first ground service provider to achieve IATA ISAGO accreditation, please shed some light on this programme and its importance to safety.

Ground handling operates in a challenging environment, any incident can have far-reaching impacts on the safety of people, aircraft, facilities and equipment. The ISAGO accreditation programme is an internationally recognised system in promoting the safe delivery of ground handling services within the aviation industry. With its standardized evaluation system, which focuses on industry best practices and safety standards, ISAGO warrants GHSPs’ attention and support.

The ISAGO programme provides thorough assessment for GHSPs and covers vital areas such as Organization and Management (ORM), Load Control (LOD), Passenger and Baggage Handling (PAB), Aircraft Handling and Loading (HDL), Aircraft Ground Movement (AGM) and Cargo and Mail Handling (CGM). The GHSPs are assessed according to the scope that aligns with their operations to ensure compliance and identify areas requiring improvement.

The benefits of the ISAGO programme extend beyond safety. It also facilitates collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders, maximizes efficiency, and connects GHSPs to an international community committed to improving safety and standardization.

The introduction of the ISAGO programme is a significant step towards ensuring safety in ground handling services. Hactl supports this initiative and commits to prioritizing safety and meeting the highest standards. The programme has helped promote unity within the Hactl team, and with our stakeholders, as all members work together to meet the highest standards and contribute to a safer and more efficient aviation industry.

Photo of The Hactl Team and ISAGO auditors
The Hactl Team and ISAGO auditors
  1. As the world’s first ground service provider to achieve IATA ISAGO accreditation, please shed some light on this programme and its importance to safety.

ISAGO registration is based on the audit of the GHSP as an organization. The GHSP is required to undergo an initial Headquarter Audit, followed by Station Audit. Alternatively, if eligible, registration could also be acquired by means of an Initial Combined Audit. The entire process for an Initial ISAGO registration will be completed within 10 months after the closing meeting of the Initial Headquarters Audit, or within 6 months after the closing meeting of the Initial Combined Audit. The ISAGO registration remains valid for 24 calendar months starting from the date of the onsite closing meeting.

If GHSPs wish to better equip themselves for ISAGO registration, the ISAGO Standards and Recommended Practices (GOSARPs) would be very useful. These standards encompass specific processes, procedures, components, equipment types, and other aspects of ground operations under the ISAGO scope deemed necessary for ground operations. The ISAGO Standards Manual (GOSM) includes the GOSARPs and serves as the basis for auditing a provider in the ISAGO programme. During an audit, ISAGO auditors refer to the GOSM as the exclusive source of assessment criteria.

As the ISAGO audit scope encompasses all aspects of the organization, cross-departmental coordination is essential and is one of the biggest challenges. Hactl has overcome this challenge with team spirit and systematic planning of all preparatory tasks leading up to the audit.

  1. As a pioneer witnessing the evolvement of ISAGO programme since launch, what positive impacts have the programme brought to Hactl?

Hactl is one of the world’s first GHSPs to obtain ISAGO registration and station accreditation. We have seen remarkable improvement in standardization since implementing the ISAGO programme in 2008. The ISAGO programme is the most recognized and widely accepted standard amongst key stakeholders in the industry, including airlines, airports and regulators in the aviation supply chain.

Implementing standardized practices through ISAGO has particularly benefited our company, which serves over 100 airline customers and over 1,000 freight forwarders. Before joining the programme, it was a challenge to develop procedures that could accommodate the diverse requirements of various stakeholders, but the ISAGO's framework has been very useful in providing industry-recognized best practices. Overall, we have experienced significant improvements in safety performances, handling quality and a notable reduction in accidents and injuries.

Since 2014, our injury cases have significantly decreased by 78.75%. We also experienced a 59% decrease in customer complaints and a 48% reduction in legal claims. Our customers have expressed greater satisfaction. For many years, we have witnessed positive impacts on our operations which include zero-Non-Compliance and zero-Observation from other airline or third-party audits due to the increasing recognition of ISAGO industry programme as well as opportunities of experience exchange with external reviewers. Our staff productivity has also improved as a result of streamlined operation procedures.

Currently, we are in the process of revamping our Safety Management System and Company Operation Procedures, as a response to the introduction of the new IATA Operational (OPS) Portal. This development will allow GHSPs and airlines to identify operational variations more effectively.

The continuous improvement of the ISAGO programme has had a transformative impact on its operations and the aviation industry as a whole. Through standardization, we have established best practices and procedures that benefit all stakeholders. The positive impacts on safety, quality handling, customer satisfaction, and staff efficiency have proven the value of the ISAGO programme. As always, Hactl will keep its commitment in pursuing excellence in ground handling and continue to provide the highest safety and service standards to our customers.

Photo of The Hactl Team and ISAGO auditors
IATA ISAGO Certificate and Accreditation of Hactl
Photo of inspecting the HACTL Terminal
Inspection of the HACTL Terminal

IATA Remarks

Monika Mejstrikova, Director Ground Operations, IATA

The IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) programme has been advancing aviation safety for the last 15 years. ISAGO is an industry program for the global oversight of GHSPs. Since launch, over 3,000 audits have been conducted, setting ISAGO the global recognition.

As of September 2023, the ISAGO Registry comprises 200 GHSPs and 330+ accredited stations, including 6 from Hong Kong, serving 207 airports worldwide. Over 120 airline members have instant access to the ISAGO Registry, where they can access our audit reports and have more efficient oversight of their outsourced services.

Over the past 15 years, ISAGO has matured and evolved to become a centre of excellence for safety auditing in ground handling. We are pleased to see that one of our first launch partners Hactl, has continued to use the accreditation programme for 15 years and enjoy the positive impact on their operations.

More and more governments and airports now recognize ISAGO as part of their safety oversight programs. Recently, the IATA and Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on ground operations safety. Under the MoU, AAHK will promote the adoption of the IATA Airport Handling Manual, IATA Ground Operation Manual and IATA Cargo Handling Manual, and recognize the ISAGO. The IATA and AAHK will also exchange information on ground operations safety trends.

Photo of MoU signed with HKIA at the Hong Kong Aviation Day 2023
MoU signed with HKIA at the Hong Kong Aviation Day 2023

AAHK Remarks

Chapman Fong, Deputy Director, Airport Operations, AAHK

AAHK recognizes the benefits for GHSPs to participate in industry accreditation scheme to pursue safety excellence and continuous improvement.

At the Hong Kong Aviation Day 2023, a signature event co-hosted by the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and IATA in August, one of the highlights was the signing of a MoU between the HKIA and IATA. Paving the way for both parties to implement the ISAGO in cooperation with GHSPs, this aims to enhance the safety of ground operations and promote standardization of ground operations processes at the airport.

As embodied in the MoU with IATA, we are hopeful that with the participation of industry programmes, the aviation community can promote safety improvement and harmonization of ground operations processes at the airport, further strengthening Hong Kong's leading position as a regional and international aviation centre.


Closing thoughts …

The success story shared by Hactl serves as a powerful testimonial to the positive impact of using global industry safety programmes. As one of the first organizations in the world to be accredited by the IATA ISAGO programme, Hactl plays a vital role in inspiring aviation service providers in different domains to take proactive steps to participate in similar safety initiatives in their sector.

The MoU between HKIA and IATA on implementing the IATA ISAGO in cooperation with GHSPs in Hong Kong encourages industry partners to team up and foster a positive culture of safety, not only within their organizations or sectors but also across domains. Let us unite in our commitment to create safer skies for all.