Another way could be through the standardization of aircraft fleets - something the ground support equipment purchasers, GSE maintenance personnel, and ground services providers have been wishing for for a long time.
While aviation will never cease to exist totally, it is well known that as airlines go, so goes ground support. Whatever course back to profitability the airlines choose remains to be seen, but it is certain that they will have to plot a more efficient and focused route.
The 2003 Worldwide Directory of Ground Support Manufacturers, Suppliers, and Ground Handlers that you are now reading reflects that shift to a leaner, more focused product. This year's version includes many on the mergers and acquisitions' merry-go-round, and believe me, we had to stay on our toes! Some companies have changed names since last year, some added "a division of" to their titles, and some, sadly, are no longer in the industry. However, there is some new blood with the addition of new companies, which is encouraging.
Each year, we are told by readers that this Directory is the one issue that is always in their briefcase or on the desk or bench. It is considered as a valuable resource used to contact others in the industry for ground support goods and services.
Knowing that, what makes compiling this issue so difficult is having to practically beg for information that will appear in the publication for free. I have heard excuses that run from "We're too busy to respond to your request" to "We have no budget left for the rest of year." That last one gets me. What kind of budget do you need for a free listing?
Ground Support Magazine is the resource
for the aviation ground support industry and we are determined to help your
operations be as successful as possible - but you have to help yourself as well.
Yes, times have been tough and are tough right now but you need to be open to
creating opportunities to help turn things around. You can start this process
by sending us an email or product release and by always responding to free listing
opportunities from our editorial department to become a part of this valuable
industry resource.
Thanks for reading.
Michelle Garetson