NATA Marks 10 Years of Advancing Ramp Safety, Announces New Aviation Ground Operations Safety Day

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) celebrated a decade of advancing ground handling safety at its 10th Annual Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS), held September 15–16 in Fort Worth, Texas. The milestone event welcomed 75 safety professionals, line service managers, operational leaders, trainers, and other industry representatives for two days of practical education, exploration of emerging technologies, and collaborative problem-solving focused on reducing risk and strengthening safety performance across general and business aviation.

Building on ten years of industry engagement, the 2026 symposium expanded to a two-day format for the first time, providing additional opportunities for operational case studies, interactive learning, and candid discussions about the challenges facing ground handling teams. The program emphasized that meaningful safety improvements require more than procedures and technology—they depend on engaged leadership, consistent training, open communication, and a workplace where employees are empowered to make the safe choice.

In his opening keynote, NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna, C.M., called for greater industry attention and investment in ground operations. As aviation advances air traffic control modernization, flight deck safety, and emerging technologies, Castagna emphasized that ground handling must remain an equally important part of the aviation safety conversation. He encouraged organizations to pair innovation with effective training, engaged leadership, and a culture in which every employee understands their role in preventing incidents.

“Every safe flight begins and ends with the work taking place on the ground,” said Castagna. “Our industry is investing in modernization and new capabilities, and we need to bring that same energy and commitment to ramp safety. The people who fuel, move, service, and support aircraft are essential to aviation safety. By equipping them with the right training, tools, and leadership, we can turn the lessons shared at this symposium into meaningful improvements across our industry.”

A central theme of the symposium was translating safety commitments into operational results. The first day opened with “Selling Safety,” a panel led by NATA Vice President of Education and Safety Steve Berry. Castagna joined Brandon Popovich, Jason Sahl, and Kevin Donnelly to explore how safety leaders can build a compelling business case for investment, demonstrate the operational value of prevention, and secure executive support for safety initiatives.

The program continued with sessions from Facet Filtration, AirPlx, and Polaris Aero. David Gillaspy of Facet examined advancements in aviation fuel filtration, while Greg Lamp introduced AirPlx and Jami Bilger demonstrated VOCUS by Polaris Aero. Bob Hobbi then led an interactive session challenging participants to consider how leaders can navigate organizational change while maintaining performance, reliability, and operational standards. Attendees closed the first day by continuing their conversations during a networking reception at Pinstack.

Day two featured operational case studies presented by Berry and James Evans of Vantage Aviation, along with sessions led by Patrick Moylan of West Star Aviation and Audrey Myers of Atlantic Aviation. In “Don’t Drift: The Culture of Almost Safe,” Myers explored how departures from safe practices can become accepted over time and how leaders’ responses to errors and concerns influence whether employees speak up. She emphasized treating safety as the foundation of operations and creating conditions in which people can choose safety without fear of speaking out. The symposium concluded with an open discussion that allowed attendees to share experiences, examine common challenges, and identify practical strategies they could take back to their organizations.

Across the two-day program, discussions reinforced the importance of closing the gap between leadership and frontline personnel so that safety expectations, operational realities, and lessons learned can be communicated openly and acted upon effectively.

NATA Announces Aviation Ground Operations Safety Day

Marking the symposium’s 10th anniversary, Castagna announced Aviation Ground Operations Safety Day, a new NATA initiative that will be observed for the first time in September 2027 and annually thereafter on the third Tuesday of September.

The initiative will elevate awareness of ground operations as an essential component of aviation safety, recognize the professionals responsible for safely handling aircraft, and encourage aviation businesses to dedicate time to education, workforce engagement, and the exchange of safety practices.

“Aviation Ground Operations Safety Day is an opportunity to carry the work of this symposium far beyond these two days,” Castagna added. “We want every organization, from a single-location FBO to a national aviation services provider, to recognize the people who make safe ground operations possible and find meaningful ways to strengthen their safety practices. By bringing the industry together around this shared commitment, we can give ramp safety the visibility it deserves and inspire action throughout the year.” The new observance will build on NATA’s longstanding Safety 1st education and training initiatives, providing another opportunity for the association to engage members and industry partners in promoting safe, professional ground operations. Additional information and participation resources will be shared ahead of the inaugural observance in 2027.

The 10th Annual GHSS was supported by nine sponsors, including full symposium sponsors Atlantic Aviation, World Fuel Services, and ServiceElements, along with six supporting sponsors. NATA extends its appreciation to the sponsors, speakers, participants, and industry partners whose contributions made the anniversary event possible.

As GHSS enters its second decade, NATA remains committed to turning the knowledge, experiences, and relationships developed through the symposium into meaningful improvements throughout the industry, helping create a safer ground-handling environment for all.

Learn more about NATA’s Safety 1st programs and the Ground Handling Safety Symposium at www.nata.aero.