Madrid, 21 February 2023 (AESA)

The State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on 20 February on operational safety, with the aim of strengthening collaboration in the field of aircraft groundhandling.

This MoU was signed by AESA Director Montserrat Mestres and Rafael Schvartzman, IATA Regional Vice President, following a meeting held at the AESA offices. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation without legal obligations for the parties, which will explore ways of collaboration between the two organisations, which could include the exchange of non-confidential safety information in ground handling of aircraft, the training of personnel or even mutual accompaniment in inspections carried out by either party for a better understanding of safety oversight. 

This collaborative framework will serve to improve the operational safety of groundhandling. AESA and IATA are committed to working together to ensure a uniform level of safety in civil aviation in Europe.