TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Preface ............................................................................................................................................................... xv

Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... xvii

GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................ 1
AHM 001 Chapter 0—Record of Revisions ................................................................................................ 1
AHM 011 Standard Classification and Numbering for Members Airport Handling Manuals ......................2
AHM 012 Office Function Designators for Airport Passenger and Baggage Handling ............................30
AHM 020 Guidelines for the Establishment of Airline Operators Committees .........................................31
AHM 021 Guidelines for Establishing Aircraft Ground Times...................................................................34
AHM 050 Aircraft Emergency Procedures................................................................................................ 35
AHM 070 E-Invoicing Standards............................................................................................................... 53

CHAPTER 1—PASSENGER HANDLING ......................................................................................................... 91

AHM 100 Chapter 1—Record of Revisions .............................................................................................. 91
AHM 110 Involuntary Change of Carrier, Routing, Class or Type of Fare ...............................................92
AHM 112 Denied Boarding Compensation............................................................................................... 98
AHM 120 Inadmissible Passengers and Deportees .................................................................................99
AHM 140 Items Removed from a Passenger's Possession by Security Personnel...............................101
AHM 141 Hold Loading of Duty-Free Goods..........................................................................................102
AHM 176 Recommendations for the Handling of Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) ...............103
AHM 176A Acceptance and Carriage of Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) ...............................104
AHM 180 Carriage of Passengers with Communicable Diseases..........................................................112
AHM 181 General Guidelines for Passenger Agents in Case of Suspected
Communicable Disease.......................................................................................................... 113

CHAPTER 2—BAGGAGE HANDLING ........................................................................................................... 115

AHM 200 Chapter 2—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 115

CHAPTER 3—CARGO/MAIL HANDLING ...................................................................................................... 117

AHM 300 Chapter 3—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 117
AHM 310 Preparation for Loading of Cargo ...........................................................................................118
AHM 311 Securing of Load..................................................................................................................... 120
AHM 312 Collection Sacks and Bags..................................................................................................... 123

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Chapter 3—CARGO/MAIL HANDLING (continued)

AHM 320 Handling of Damaged Cargo .................................................................................................. 124
AHM 321 Handling of Pilfered Cargo ..................................................................................................... 125
AHM 322 Handling Wet Cargo ............................................................................................................... 126
AHM 330 Handling Perishable Cargo..................................................................................................... 128
AHM 331 Handling and Protection of Valuable Cargo ...........................................................................130
AHM 332 Handling and Stowage of Live Animals..................................................................................134
AHM 333 Handling of Human Remains.................................................................................................. 136
AHM 340 Acceptance Standards for the Interchange of Transferred Unit Load Devices ......................137
AHM 345 Handling of Battery Operated Wheelchairs/Mobility AIDS as Checked Baggage ..................143
AHM 350 Mail Handling .......................................................................................................................... 145
AHM 351 Mail Documents ...................................................................................................................... 150
AHM 353 Handling of Found Mail........................................................................................................... 165
AHM 354 Handling of Damaged Mail ..................................................................................................... 166
AHM 355 Mail Security ........................................................................................................................... 167
AHM 356 Mail Safety .............................................................................................................................. 168
AHM 357 Mail Irregularity Message........................................................................................................ 169
AHM 360 Company Mail......................................................................................................................... 171
AHM 380 Aircraft Documents Stowage .................................................................................................. 172
AHM 381 Special Load—Notification to Captain (General)....................................................................173
AHM 382 Special Load—Notification to Captain (EDP Format and NOTOC Service) ..........................178
AHM 383 Special Load—Notification to Captain (EDP NOTOC Summary)...........................................190
AHM 384 NOTOC Message (NTM) ........................................................................................................ 193

CHAPTER 4—AIRCRAFT HANDLING AND LOADING.................................................................................197

AHM 400 Chapter 4—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 197
AHM 411 Provision and Carriage of Loading Accessories.....................................................................198
AHM 420 Tagging of Unit Load Devices ................................................................................................ 199
AHM 421 Storage of Unit Load Devices ................................................................................................ 209
AHM 422 Control of Transferred Unit Load Devices ..............................................................................214
AHM 423 Unit Load Device Stock Check Message ...............................................................................219
AHM 424 Unit Load Device Control Message ........................................................................................ 221
AHM 425 Continued Airworthiness of Unit Load Devices ......................................................................225

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Chapter 4—AIRCRAFT HANDLING AND LOADING (continued)

AHM 426 ULD Buildup and Breakdown ................................................................................................. 229
AHM 427 ULD Transportation ................................................................................................................ 238
AHM 430 Operating of Aircraft Doors..................................................................................................... 241
AHM 431 Aircraft Ground Stability—Tipping ..........................................................................................242
AHM 440 Potable Water Servicing ......................................................................................................... 243
AHM 441 Aircraft Toilet Servicing........................................................................................................... 255
AHM 450 Standardisation of Gravity Forces against which Load must be Restrained..........................256
AHM 451 Technical Malfunctions Limiting Load on Aircraft ...................................................................257
AHM 453 Handling/Bulk Loading of Heavy Items...................................................................................258
AHM 454 Handling and Loading of Big Overhang Items........................................................................259
AHM 455 Non CLS Restrained ULD ...................................................................................................... 262
AHM 460 Guidelines for Turnround Plan................................................................................................ 269
AHM 462 Safe Operating Practices in Aircraft Handling ........................................................................270
AHM 463 Safety Considerations for Aircraft Movement Operations ......................................................283
AHM 465 Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention Program.................................................................286

CHAPTER 5—LOAD CONTROL..................................................................................................................... 289

AHM 500 Chapter 5—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 289
AHM 501 Terms and Definitions............................................................................................................. 291
AHM 503 Recommended Requirements for a New Departure Control System.....................................297
AHM 504 Departure Control System Evaluation Checklist.....................................................................302
AHM 505 Designation of Aircraft Holds, Compartments, Bays and Cabin.............................................308
AHM 506 Cargo Loading System Restraints Schema............................................................................314
AHM 510 Handling/Load Information Codes to be Used on Traffic Documents and Messages............316
AHM 513 Aircraft Structural Loading Limitations....................................................................................326
AHM 514 EDP Loading Instruction/Report ............................................................................................. 337
AHM 515 Manual Loading Instruction/Report (LIR)................................................................................353
AHM 516 Manual Loadsheet .................................................................................................................. 365
AHM 517 EDP Loadsheet ...................................................................................................................... 379
AHM 518 ACARS Transmitted Loadsheet.............................................................................................. 388
AHM 519 Balance Calculation Methods ................................................................................................. 395

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Chapter 5—LOAD CONTROL (continued)

AHM 520 Aircraft Equipped with a CG Targeting System......................................................................400
AHM 530 Weights for Passengers and Baggage ...................................................................................401
AHM 531 Procedure for Establishing Standard Weights for Passengers and Baggage ........................402
AHM 533 Passengers Occupying Crew Seats ....................................................................................... 408
AHM 534 Weight Control of Load........................................................................................................... 409
AHM 536 Equipment in Compartments Procedure ................................................................................410
AHM 537 Ballast ..................................................................................................................................... 414
AHM 540 Aircraft Unit Load Device—Weight and Balance Control .......................................................415
AHM 550 Pilot in Command's Approval of the Loadsheet......................................................................416
AHM 551 Last Minute Changes on Loadsheet....................................................................................... 417
AHM 561 Departure Control System, Carrier's Approval Procedures....................................................418
AHM 562 Semi-Permanent Data Exchange Message (DEM) ................................................................419
AHM 564 Migration from AHM 560 to AHM 565 ....................................................................................426
AHM 565 EDP Semi-Permanent Data Exchange for New Generation Departure Control Systems......446
AHM 570 Automated Information Exchange between Check-in and Load Control Systems.................547
AHM 571 Passenger and Baggage Details for Weight and Balance Report (PWR)..............................553
AHM 580 Unit Load Device/Bulk Load Weight Statement .....................................................................558
AHM 581 Unit Load Device/Bulk Load Weight Signal............................................................................560
AHM 583 Loadmessage ......................................................................................................................... 564
AHM 587 Container/Pallet Distribution Message....................................................................................568
AHM 588 Statistical Load Summary ....................................................................................................... 573
AHM 590 Load Control Requirement and Document Retention ............................................................576
AHM 591 Weight and Balance Load Control and Loading Supervision Training and Qualifications .....577

CHAPTER 6—MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY ............................................................................................... 579

AHM 600 Chapter 6—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 579
AHM 610 Safety Management System................................................................................................... 580
AHM 615 Quality Management System.................................................................................................. 605
AHM 616 Human Factors Program ....................................................................................................... 636
AHM 617 Occupational Health and Safety Management Program ........................................................652
AHM 619 Guidelines for Producing Emergency Response Plan(s) .......................................................664
AHM 620 Guidelines for an Emergency Management System ..............................................................666

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Chapter 6—MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY (continued)

AHM 621 Security Management............................................................................................................. 669
AHM 633 Guidelines for the Handling of Emergencies Requiring the Evacuation of an Aircraft
During Ground Handling ......................................................................................................... 676
AHM 650 Ramp Incident/Accident Reporting .........................................................................................678
AHM 652 Recommendations for Airside Safety Investigations ..............................................................683
AHM 660 Carrier Guidelines for Calculating Aircraft Ground Accident Costs ........................................692

CHAPTER 7—AIRCRAFT MOVEMENT CONTROL.......................................................................................693

AHM 700 Chapter 7—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 693
AHM 710 Standards for Message Formats ............................................................................................ 694
AHM 711 Standards for Message Corrections ....................................................................................... 696
AHM 730 Codes to be Used in Aircraft Movement and Diversion Messages ........................................697
AHM 731 Enhanced Reporting on ATFM Delays by the Use of Sub Codes..........................................703
AHM 780 Aircraft Movement Message ................................................................................................... 706
AHM 781 Aircraft Diversion Message..................................................................................................... 718
AHM 782 Fuel Monitoring Message ....................................................................................................... 722
AHM 783 Request Information Message................................................................................................ 727
AHM 784 Gate Message ........................................................................................................................ 729
AHM 785 Aircraft Initiated Movement Message (MVA) ..........................................................................734
AHM 790 Operational Aircraft Registration (OAR) Message..................................................................739

CHAPTER 8—GROUND HANDLING AGREEMENTS ...................................................................................743

AHM 800 Chapter 8—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 743
AHM 801 Introduction to and Comments on IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) .....744
AHM 803 Service Level Agreement Example ........................................................................................749
AHM 810 IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement .........................................................................759
AHM 811 Yellow Pages .......................................................................................................................... 802
AHM 815 Standard Transportation Documents Service Main Agreement .............................................812
AHM 817 Standard Training Agreement................................................................................................. 825
AHM 820 IATA Standard Ground Handling Subcontracting Agreement ................................................829
AHM 830 Ground Handling Charge Note ............................................................................................... 873
AHM 840 Model Agreement for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) .......................................................876

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CHAPTER 9—AIRPORT HANDLING GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS ....................885

AHM 900 Chapter 9—Record of Revisions ............................................................................................ 885
AHM 901 Functional Specifications ........................................................................................................ 888
AHM 904 Aircraft Servicing Points and System Requirements .............................................................889

AIRBUS A300 B2 320-/B4/C4 ............................................................................................ 891

A300F4-600/-600C4 ........................................................................................................... 894

A310–200/200C/300........................................................................................................... 900

A318 ................................................................................................................................... 904

A319 ................................................................................................................................... 907

A320 ................................................................................................................................... 910

A321 ................................................................................................................................... 914

A330-200F.......................................................................................................................... 917

A330-300 ............................................................................................................................ 922

A340-200 ............................................................................................................................ 925

A340-300 ............................................................................................................................ 929

A340-500 ............................................................................................................................ 933

A340-600 ............................................................................................................................ 936

Airbus 350 900 passenger ................................................................................................. 939

AIRBUS A380-800/-800F ................................................................................................... 970

ATR42 100/200 .................................................................................................................. 973

ATR72 ................................................................................................................................ 974

AVRO RJ70........................................................................................................................ 975

AVRO RJ85........................................................................................................................ 976

AVRO RJ100...................................................................................................................... 977

B727-200 ............................................................................................................................ 978

B737–200/200C.................................................................................................................. 982

B737-300, 400, -500........................................................................................................... 984

B737-400 ............................................................................................................................ 987

B737-500 ............................................................................................................................ 989

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Chapter 9—AIRPORT HANDLING GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS (continued)

AHM 904 Aircraft Doors, Servicing Points and System Requirements for the Use of Ground
Support Equipment (continued)

B737-600, -700, -700C....................................................................................................... 991

B737-700 ............................................................................................................................ 994

B737-800 ............................................................................................................................ 996

B737-900 .......................................................................................................................... 1000

B747–100 SF/200C/200F................................................................................................. 1002

B747–400/400C................................................................................................................ 1004

B757–200 ......................................................................................................................... 1012

B757–300 ......................................................................................................................... 1014

B767—200/200 ER .......................................................................................................... 1015

B767—300/300 ER .......................................................................................................... 1018

B767—400 ER ................................................................................................................. 1022

B777–200/200 LR ............................................................................................................ 1025

B777–300/300 ER ............................................................................................................ 1029

Boeing 787 800 passenger .............................................................................................. 1033

BAe ATP (J61) ................................................................................................................. 1041

Bombardier C Series 100 passenger ...............................................................................1042

Bombardier C Series 300 passenger ...............................................................................1044

CL-65 (CRJ 100/200) ....................................................................................................... 1045

DC8–40/50 F SERIES...................................................................................................... 1046

DC8–61/61 F .................................................................................................................... 1048

DC8–62/62 F .................................................................................................................... 1050

DC8–63/63 F .................................................................................................................... 1052

DC9–15/21 ....................................................................................................................... 1054

DC9–32 ............................................................................................................................ 1055

DC9–41 ............................................................................................................................ 1056

DC9–51 ............................................................................................................................ 1057

DC10–10/10 CF ............................................................................................................... 1058

DC10–30/40, 30/40 CF .................................................................................................... 1060

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Chapter 9—AIRPORT HANDLING GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS (continued)

AHM 904 Aircraft Doors, Servicing Points and System Requirements for the Use of Ground
Support Equipment (continued)

EMBRAER EMB-135 Regional Models............................................................................1061

EMBRAER EMB-145 Regional Models............................................................................1063

Embraer 170..................................................................................................................... 1065

Embraer 175..................................................................................................................... 1067

Embraer 190..................................................................................................................... 1069

Embraer 195..................................................................................................................... 1071

FOKKER 50 (F27 Mk 050) ............................................................................................... 1073

FOKKER 50 (F27 Mk 0502) .............................................................................................1075

FOKKER 70 (F28 Mk 0070) .............................................................................................1077

FOKKER 100 (F28 Mk 0100) ........................................................................................... 1079

FOKKER 100 (F28 Mk 0100) ........................................................................................... 1081

IL-76T ............................................................................................................................... 1083

MD-11............................................................................................................................... 1085

MD–80 SERIES................................................................................................................ 1087

SAAB 2000 ....................................................................................................................... 1088

SAAB SF-340 ................................................................................................................... 1089

TU-204.............................................................................................................................. 1091
AHM 905 Reference Material for Civil Aircraft Ground Support Equipment.........................................1093
AHM 905A Cross Reference of IATA Documents with SAE, CEN, and ISO..........................................1097
AHM 906 Guidelines for Use of Pooled and Borrowed Ground Support Equipment (GSE) ................1099
AHM 907 Basic Requirements for Electric Powered GSE (e-GSE) .....................................................1100
AHM 908 Training for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Maintenance..............................................1105
AHM 909 Summary of Unit Load Device Capacity and Dimensions....................................................1111
AHM 910 Basic Requirements for Aircraft Ground Support Equipment ...............................................1112
AHM 911 Ground Support Equipment Requirements for Compatibility with Aircraft Unit Load
Devices ................................................................................................................................. 1116
AHM 912 Standard Forklift Pockets Dimensions and Characteristics for Forkliftable General
Support Equipment ............................................................................................................... 1118
AHM 913 Basic Safety Requirements for Aircraft Ground Support Equipment....................................1120
AHM 914 Compatibility of Ground Support Equipment with Aircraft Types .........................................1125

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AHM 915 Standard Controls................................................................................................................. 1127
AHM 916 Basic Requirements for Towing Vehicle Interface (HITCH) .................................................1128
AHM 917 Basic Minimum Preventive Maintenance Program/Schedule...............................................1131
AHM 920 Functional Specification for Self-Propelled Telescopic Passenger Stairs ............................1133
AHM 920A Functional Specification for Towed Passenger Stairs ..........................................................1136
AHM 921 Functional Specification for Boarding/De-Boarding Vehicle for Passengers with
Reduced Mobility (PRM)....................................................................................................... 1138
AHM 922 Basic Requirements for Passenger Boarding Bridge Aircraft Interface................................1143
AHM 923 Functional Specification for Elevating Passenger Transfer Vehicle .....................................1149
AHM 924 Functional Specification for Heavy Item Lift Platform...........................................................1152
AHM 925 Functional Specification for a Self-Propelled Conveyor-Belt Loader....................................1153
AHM 925A Functional Specification for a Self-Propelled Ground Based in-Plane Loading
System for Bulk Cargo.......................................................................................................... 1156
AHM 925B Functional Specification for a Towed Conveyor-Belt Loader ...............................................1159
AHM 926 Functional Specification for Upper Deck Catering Vehicle...................................................1162
AHM 927 Functional Specification for Main Deck Catering Vehicle.....................................................1166
AHM 930 Functional Specification for an Upper Deck Container/Pallet Loader ..................................1170
AHM 931 Functional Specification for Lower Deck Container/Pallet Loader .......................................1172
AHM 932 Functional Specification for a Main Deck Container/Pallet Loader ......................................1175
AHM 933 Functional Specification of a Powered Extension Platform to Lower Deck/Container/
Pallet Loader......................................................................................................................... 1178
AHM 934 Functional Specification for a Narrow Body Lower Deck Single Platform Loader................1180
AHM 934A Functional Specification for a Single Platform Slave Loader Bed for Lower Deck
Loading Operations .............................................................................................................. 1182
AHM 936 Functional Specification for a Container Loader Transporter...............................................1184
AHM 938 Functional Specification for a Large Capacity Freighter and Combi Aircraft Tail
Stanchion.............................................................................................................................. 1187
AHM 939 Functional Specification for a Transfer Platform Lift.............................................................1189
AHM 941 Functional Specification for Equipment Used for Establishing the Weight of a
ULD/BULK Load ................................................................................................................... 1191
AHM 942 Functional Specification for Storage Equipment Used for Unit Load Devices .....................1193
AHM 950 Functional Specification for an Airport Passenger Bus ........................................................1194
AHM 951 Functional Specification for a Crew Transportation Vehicle.................................................1197
AHM 953 Functional Specifications for a Valuable Cargo Vehicle.......................................................1199

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AHM 954 Functional Specification for an Aircraft Washing Machine ...................................................1200
AHM 955 Functional Specification for an Aircraft Nose Gear Towbar Tractor .....................................1202
AHM 956 Functional Specification for Main Gear Towbarless Tractor.................................................1205
AHM 957 Functional Specification for Nose Gear Towbarless Tractor ................................................1207
AHM 958 Functional Specification for an Aircraft Towbar ....................................................................1210
AHM 960 Functional Specification for Unit Load Device Transport Vehicle.........................................1212
AHM 961 Functional Specification for a Roller System for Unit Load Device Transportation on
Trucks ................................................................................................................................... 1215
AHM 962 Functional Specification for a Rollerised Platform for the Transportation of Twenty Foot
Unit Load Devices that Interfaces with Trucks Equipped to Accept Freight Containers
Complying with ISO 668:1988 .............................................................................................. 1217
AHM 963 Functional Specification for a Baggage/Cargo Cart .............................................................1219
AHM 965 Functional Specification for a ULD Dolly (up to ULD base size “K”) ....................................1220
AHM 966 Functional Specification for a Pallet Dolly ULD Dolly (Up to ULD base size “M”)................1222
AHM 967 Functional Specification for a ULD Dolly (up to ULD base size “G”) ...................................1224
AHM 968 Functional Specification for Ramp Equipment Tractors .......................................................1226
AHM 969 Functional Specification for a Pallet/Container Transporter .................................................1227
AHM 970 Functional Specification for a Self-Propelled Potable Water Vehicle with Rear or
Front Servicing...................................................................................................................... 1229
AHM 971 Functional Specification for a Self-Propelled Lavatory Service Vehicle with Rear or
Front Servicing...................................................................................................................... 1232
AHM 972 Functional Specifications for a Ground Power Unit for Aircraft Electrical System ...............1235
AHM 973 Functional Specification for a Towed Aircraft Ground Heater ..............................................1239
AHM 974 Functional Specification for Aircraft Air Conditioning (Cooling) Unit ....................................1242
AHM 975 Functional Specifications for Self-Propelled Aircraft De-Icing/Anti-Icing Unit.......................1244
AHM 976 Functional Specifications for an Air Start Unit ......................................................................1248
AHM 977 Functional Specification for a Towed De-Icing/Anti-Icing Unit..............................................1250
AHM 978 Functional Specification for a Towed Lavatory Service Cart................................................1253
AHM 979 Functional Specification for a Towed Boarding/De-Boarding Device for Passengers
with Reduced Mobility (PRM) for Commuter-Type Aircraft ..................................................1255
AHM 980 Functional Specification for a Self-Propelled Petrol/Diesel Refueling Vehicle for
Ground Support Equipment .................................................................................................. 1257
AHM 981 Functional Specification for a Towed Potable Water Service Cart.......................................1259
AHM 990 Guidelines for Preventative Maintenance of Aircraft Towbars .............................................1261

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Chapter 9—AIRPORT HANDLING GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS (continued)

AHM 994 Criteria for Consideration of the Investment in Ground Support Equipment ........................1262
AHM 995 Basic Unit Load Device Handling System Requirements.....................................................1266
AHM 997 Functional Specification for Sub-Freezing Aircraft Air Conditioning Unit .............................1268

CHAPTER 10—ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR GROUND HANDLING OPERATIONS ........1271

AHM 1000 Chapter 10—Record of Revisions ........................................................................................ 1271
AHM 1001 Environmental Specifications for Ground Handling Operations ...........................................1272
AHM 1002 Environmental Impact on the Use of Ground Support Equipment .......................................1273
AHM 1003 GSE Environmental Quality Audit.........................................................................................1275
AHM 1004 Guidelines for Calculating GSE Exhaust Emissions.............................................................1277
AHM 1005 Guidelines for an Environmental Management System .......................................................1278

CHAPTER 11—GROUND OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM...............................................................1281

AHM 1100 Chapter 11—Record of Revisions ........................................................................................ 1281
AHM 1110 Ground Operations Training Program ..................................................................................1282

Appendix A—References............................................................................................................................. 1317

Appendix B—Glossary................................................................................................................................. 1349

Alphabetical List of AHM Titles................................................................................................................... 1361

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 INTRODUCTION
1. GENERAL
The development and adoption of standards for airport handling arose in Europe where an overlap of the networks of many
different airlines resulted in the necessity for airlines to arrange handling contracts with each other. The standards reflected the
handling carriers' need to treat all its customers equally and satisfied each airline's requirement for common standards at each
airport they served.
These standards, known as the Airport Handling Manual (AHM), have been developed under the auspices of IATA over a period
of forty years through the Airport Service Committee (ASC) and Passenger Standards Conference (PSC) and published under
PSC Recommended Practice (RP) 1690 Attachment A. More recently, the governance structure was revised and the ASC
delegated its authority for the development of standards in the AHM to the Ground Operations Working Group (GOG). However
the ASC, and ultimately the PSC, have the overall responsibility to deliver the standards that go into the AHM.
The AHM includes aspects such as: load control; cargo; baggage handling; aircraft handling methods; off-airport handling of
cargo in ULDs; training/qualification of cargo handling staff; airside safety and safe operating practices; functional specifications
for Ground Support Equipment (GSE); policies for GSE operation and training; environmental standards in ground operations; the
use, maintenance and standard interpretations of the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement and other ground handling
matters as outlined in Annex A to the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement.
Inevitably, there is a continuing need for the maintenance of existing standards and policies as well as the development of new
ones—airport systems and aircraft evolve, the regulatory environment changes and advances in technology, particularly
automation, all affect airport ground handling.
IATA has also established liaisons with various outside organizations with similar aims to avoid duplication of effort and to publish
a standard industry source of information for global use which represents the most practical general airport handling guidelines.
Those wishing contribute to the AHM please contact IATA at groundops@iata.org.

2. APPLICABILITY
The AHM is designed to be a repository of a wide range of airport related standards, policies and recommended practices. The
users of the AHM are also expected to be from a wide range of people and companies that operate at an airport who would use
the AHM as a reference and a guide. It also contains material that is used by service providers, airlines, airport personnel,
suppliers and manufacturers who provide the aviation industry with services or equipment related to airport operations.

3. SCOPE
The AHM content is intended as recommended practices which include: standards, guidelines, functional specifications, as well
as templates - all of which are intended to assist and guide appropriate staff on the “what to do” aspects of airport operations.

4. MANUAL REVISION
IATA publishes annual editions of this manual to ensure the content remains current. The edition is depicted on the cover page of
the manual and at the bottom of each individual page. The issue date and effective date of each edition is indicated in the record
of revisions section. A temporary revision (TR) may be issued in order to address urgent needs. A TR is not included in the body
of the AHM, and is accompanied by specific instructions as to its applicability.
The following symbols placed against an item indicate changes from the previous edition.

Symbol Meaning
Addition of a new item.
Change to an item.

Cancellation of an item.

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5. SYSTEM OF NUMBERING AHMs

AHM numbers are grouped in the following categories:

AHM Numbers Category

001–099 General
100–199 Passenger Handling
200–299 Removed as of 39th edition (2019)–see
Baggage Reference Manual (BRM).
300–399 Cargo/Mail Handling
400–499 Aircraft Handling and Loading
500–599 Load Control
600–699 Management and Safety
700–799 Aircraft Movement Control
800–899 Ground Handling Agreements
900–999 Airport Handling Ground Support Equipment Specifications
1000–1099 Environmental Specifications for Ground Handling Operations
1100–1199 Ground Operation Training Program

6. OTHER IATA PUBLICATIONS RELATED TO AIRPORT, PASSENGER AND CARGO

HANDLING ACTIVITIES
6.1 IATA Ground Operations Manual (IGOM)
6.2 Marshalling Signals (Quick Reference Guide)
6.3 Load Control XML Messaging Toolkit (LCXML)
6.4 Passenger Services Conference Resolution Manual (PSCRM)
6.5 Baggage Reference Manual (BRM)
6.6 Baggage Identification Charts (BAGID)
6.7 Lost & Found Property Chart
6.8 Cargo Services Conference Resolutions Manual (CSCRM)
6.9 IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
6.10 IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM)
6.11 IATA ULD Regulations (ULDR)
6.12 Live Animal Regulations (LAR)
6.13 Perishable Cargo Regulations
6.14 Temperature Control Regulations
6.15 Infectious Substances Shipping Guidelines
6.16 Lithium Batteries Shipping Guidelines
6.17 Cargo XML Toolkit
6.18 IATA Guide to Facilitation
6.19 Security Management System (SeMS) Manual
6.20 Airport Development Reference Manual (ADRM)
For more information on IATA Publications, please visit www.iata.org/publishing

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7. IATA TRAINING PROGRAMS RELATED TO AIRPORT, PASSENGER AND CARGO
HANDLING ACTIVITIES
7.1 Aircraft De-icing Operations Management Code: TAPG-02
7.2 Aircraft Marshalling and Ramp Hand Signals with RampVR™ Code: TAPG-06
7.3 Aircraft Turnaround Coordination & Loading Supervision with RampVR™ Code: TAPG-57
7.4 Aircraft Weight and Balance Code: TALP-01
7.5 Aircraft Weight and Balance Refresher Code: TAPP-56
7.6 Airport Services–Passenger Handling Code: TALP-10
7.7 Baggage Handling Services and Systems Code: TAPG-09
7.8 Emergency Planning and Response for Airports and GSPs Code: TAPP-12
7.9 Human Factor in Ground Operations Code: TAPG-03
7.10 Passenger Assessment & Travel Document Check Code: TAPP-34
7.11 SGHA-SLA & Effective Negotiations Behavior Code: TAPP-32
7.12 SGHA for Line Maintenance Agreements Code: TAPG-55
7.13 Station Operations Control Code: TAPP-35
7.14 Station/Ground Handling Management Code: TALP-02
7.15 Airport Ramp Services–Distance Learning Code: TAPP-51
7.16 Ground Operations Management–Distance Learning Code: TALP-52
7.17 Passenger Ground Services–Distance Learning Code: TALP-51
7.18 A-CDM in Airport and Ground Operations Code: TAPG-61
7.19 Baggage Claims and Proration Code: TAPG-62
7.20 Basic Airside Safety–eLearning Code: TALP-17
7.21 Business Aviation Handling and Fixed-Base Operations, FBO–(Classroom, 3 days) Code: TAPP-38

For more information on IATA Ground Operations Training, please visit www.iata.org/groundops.

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Sample Data – Not for Operational Use
 Airport Handling Manual

AHM 011
STANDARD CLASSIFICATION AND NUMBERING FOR MEMBERS
AIRPORT HANDLING MANUALS
RECOMMENDED that:
When preparing, revising or issuing their own Airport Handling, Ground Operations, Traffic, or equivalent company regulations
Manuals, Members shall, whenever possible, entirely or in part, use the following standard subject classification and numbering
system in order to facilitate:
cross reference with the IATA Airport Handling Manual or other carriers regulations;
the work of any carrier or handling agent when handling another carrier's flights;
computerised access to the carrier's operational regulations.

Introduction
The standard classification and numbering system has been developed by the IATA Airport Services Board along the concept of
the A4A 100 standard (originally issued 1956, Pp revised 1981) universally used for aircraft engineering, maintenance, and
technical manuals. Its purpose is providing an universal easy reference system enabling an airline or a handling agent to check
any specific information or regulation in the Airport Handling Manual, Ground Operations Manual, Traffic Manual or equivalent of
any carrier he handles in at least one station.

1. APPLICATION
The standard classification and numbering system applies to:
Airport Handling Manuals;
Ground Operations Manuals;
Traffic Manuals;
and more generally any in-house regulations Manual issued by a carrier covering in whole or in part the scope defined in the
section/subsection designations hereafter.
It is not applicable to:
technical aircraft Manuals (usually numbered according to the A4A 100 standard), Flight Operations Manuals, Line
Maintenance Manuals;
passenger or cargo COMMERCIAL procedures Manuals such as rates, ticketing, Air Waybill, reservations or sales manuals;
though such Manuals may be cross-referred to in some of the matters covered in the present standard's sections and
subsections;
and more generally any field of airline/airport activity not covered by the scope defined in the section/subsection
designations hereafter.

2. MANUAL DESIGNATION
Each Manual to which the standard classification and numbering system applies shall have an abbreviated designation printed
on its cover and in the top right hand corner of each printed page or computer screen display, as applicable. This abbreviated
designation shall be used whenever necessary in messages, annexes to handling agreements, training documentation, and any
other documents where quoting carrier Manual references may be necessary.
The abbreviated Manual designation shall consist in 6 to 9 alpha characters, in two elements separated by a full stop:

Examples:

DLH.DVOPS SAB.AHM AFR.DKSAL ITF.OPSOL

KLM.CODECO etc.
Note 1: In order to allow unhampered computerised access when required, no separator shall be used except the full stop
between both elements.
Note 2: The 2-letter airline designator may optionally be used till the 3-letter designator becomes required by industry
introduction.

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Sample Data – Not for Operational Use

 General—AHM 011

Note 3: There may be as many separate Manuals as required by the carrier, and the distribution of sections/subsections between
these Manuals is not standardised, in order to keep into account the variety of airlines internal organisations. But, where several
Manuals exist, each of them shall have such an abbreviated designation.

3. NUMBERING PRINCIPLES
3.1 General numbering
Each paragraph in a Manual to which the standard classification and numbering system applies shall be designated by
6 numeric characters, in three elements separated by full stops:

Further subdivisions, e.g. (99.99.99) 9.9.9, are allowable, but:

in a printed format, they shall be printed on a different line from the standard numbering;
in a computer format, they shall not be machine readable.

3.2 Aircraft type code

Whenever information is specific to an aircraft type, numbering shall include the relevant A4A/IATA aircraft type code according
to the IATA Standard Schedules Information Manual (SSIM) Appendix ‘A’, Aircraft Type Codes.
The aircraft type code consists in 3 alpha-numeric characters, which may be inserted at any location in relation to the basic three
elements in the general numbering;

or:
99. xxx .99.99 (b)
99.99. xxx .99 (c)
99.99.99. xxx (d).
Note 1: The SSIM type code system includes general type designators and sub-type codes. It is recommended to preferably use
the SSIM sub-type code, unless information is common to several sub-types with the same carrier and can better be structured
by referring to their common general designator.
Note 2: The relative location of aircraft type code and section/subsection/paragraph elements is dictated by the structure
chosen for the Manual, e.g. variant (a) will be used it there is one Manual—or part thereof—per aircraft type. Variant (d) will be
used if aircraft specific information is itemised only for each individual subject matter.
Note 3: Computerised information systems shall be programmed to recognise a type code entry or a general numbering entry,
irrespective of their relative locations (see paragraph 8 hereafter).

4. SECTION NUMBERING
00 — General
01 — Representation and accommodation
02 — Load control and communications
03 — Unfit load devices control
04 — Passengers and baggage (see Note 1)
05 — Cargo and mail (see Note 1)
06 — Ramp
07 — Aircraft servicing
08 — Fuel and oil
09 — Aircraft maintenance (see Note 2)
10 — Flight operations and crew administration
11 — Surface transport
12 — Catering services

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 General—AHM 011

Attachment ‘B’ SUBSECTION/PARAGRAPH NUMBERING

00. GENERAL

00–0 GENERAL
00–00 Log of applicable pages
00–01 Distribution and updating
00–02 Index of key-word entries
00–03 Scope and purpose
00–04 Summary of sections/subsections/items (down to 4 or 6 digits)
00–05 Abbreviations used
00–06 Glossary of term
00–07 Units, measurements, conversions
00–08 Aircraft type/sub-type codes
00–1 FACILITATION
00–10 General facilitation objectives and policies
00–11 Regional and local facilitation committees
00–12 Immigration documents and procedures
00–12-0x General
00–12-1x Passenger manifests
00–12-2x Crew certificate
00–12-3x Embarkation/disembarkation cards
00–12-4x General declaration
00–13 Customs documents and procedures
00–14 Sanitary and agriculture authorities documents and procedures
00–14-0x WHO/ICAO regulations
00–14-1x Disease control—Vaccinations
00–14-2x Disinsectization of aircraft cabins
00–14-3x Disinfection of aircraft cabins
00–14-4x Disinsectization of aircraft cargo compartments
00–14-5x Disinfection of aircraft cargo compartments
00–15 Cargo facilitation
00–16 Information by countries
00–2 HANDLING AGREEMENTS
00–20 Handling agreements principles, responsibilities and liabilities
00–21 Airport handling agreements
00–22 Airport catering agreements
00–23 Airport cargo handling agreements
00–24 Airport of passenger sales/ticketing agreements
00–25 IATP pool and technical agreements
00–26 Special handling agreements
00–27 Occasional/request handling rates—Work orders
00–28 Control of services rendered—Quality standards
00–29 Settlement of discrepancies

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Sample Data – Not for Operational Use