Sofema Aviation launches two-day EASA ground handling training

Sofema Aviation has introduced a two-day intensive course to help aviation professionals prepare for new EU ground handling rules tied to EASA. The program targets declaration and compliance deadlines in 2027 and 2028 as ground handling shifts to a more formal safety framework.

Why it matters: - Ground handling organizations are moving from voluntary self-regulation to a legally binding EU safety regime. - The new framework puts direct responsibility for safe service delivery and operational risk control on ground handling organizations. - The training is aimed at helping aviation teams prepare for declaration and compliance deadlines that begin in 2027.

What happened: - Sofema Aviation introduced a new two-day intensive training program on the EASA ground handling regulatory framework. - The course is built around Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23. - The program is designed to support the transition under the EASA Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139. - Sofema Aviation said the course addresses the structural shift in European civil aviation ground operations.

The details: - The syllabus is split into 12 sessions across two days. - The course prepares organizations for the mandatory Declaration of Capability submission ahead of a March 2027 deadline. - It also targets full organizational regulatory compliance by March 2028. - Day one covers the EASA framework and its links to ICAO and IATA guidance. - Day one also covers Authority Requirements, or Part-ARGH, cooperative oversight, and regulatory findings management. - The first day includes Safety Management Systems, the Accountable Manager role, fatigue risk management, and internal compliance monitoring. - Day two focuses on competency-based training and assessment, Ground Support Equipment maintenance, and turnaround coordination under Part-GH.OPS. - Day two also includes specialized ground handling tasks, cybersecurity for digital platforms under Part-IS, Management of Change processes, and transition planning for alignment with IGOM and ISAGO. - The course is intended for Accountable Managers, Turnaround Coordinators, Safety Managers, Ramp Supervisors, authority inspectors, and staff from Ground Handling Organizations, National Aviation Authorities, and airlines. - Participants need a foundational understanding of aviation operations and current ground handling practices before enrolling.

Between the lines: - The training package suggests the coming EASA regime will require not just procedural updates, but broader organizational changes in oversight, competence, and accountability. - The inclusion of cybersecurity, SMS scaling, and transition planning signals that compliance will extend beyond ramp operations into digital systems and management controls. - The focus on aligning existing frameworks such as IGOM and ISAGO with EASA rules suggests operators will need to reconcile current industry practices with the new EU structure.

What's next: - Applicants can register by sending their full name, job role, and organization to team@sassofia.com. - Sofema Aviation is also accepting registrations through its online course portal at course registration portal. - The course is positioned as preparation for the March 2027 declaration deadline and the March 2028 full compliance deadline. - Sofema Aviation also listed its social channels on LinkedIn and YouTube.