Allied Forces

May 1, 2003

May 2003

Whether or not it was a subconscious reaction to the war in Iraq, the theme running through this issue is that of alliances.

Richard Rowe's story All Together Now (page 50), discusses airline alliances. In it, Rowe discovers the 'one-roof' concept pursued by global airline alliances for ticketing and passenger handling activities is much harder to replicate when it comes to joint tendering for ramp services; however, there are some success stories.

New aviation associations have begun blooming like spring flowers in reaction to niches in the industry that feel they are not being served fully by existing organizations.
Are You Being Served? (page 30) offers an overview of existing and new aviation associations and their missions for the future.

Colin Temple, Manager, IATA Airport Services Department, is our GS People profile this month (page 66) and stresses that open communication and sharing of information are key to improving efficiencies and safety in the aviation community.

Speaking of associations, Ground Support Magazine had the opportunity to sit in at the inaugural annual meeting in March of one of the new ones, the International Aviation Ground Support Association (IAGSA), which intends to serve the international ground support equipment manufacturers and suppliers. The meeting began with a decidedly American feel to it, which was quickly addressed by some of the European GSE manufacturing representatives. Whether or not all parties were appeased that this was truly an international entity, the attendees did collectively agree to meet again at AS3/GSE Expo in Las Vegas this month.

And, that brings me to our very own alliance, which consists of the Cygnus Publishing and Cygnus Expositions divisions, that will be in Las Vegas in full force at AS3/GSE Expo. The GSE Expo side of the convention will feature nearly 200 companies showcasing the very latest in ground support equipment, services and solutions. Also on tap will be daily educational seminars led by industry experts addressing the many issues facing the aviation ground support industry today. Discussion topics include the Environment, Alternative and Traditional Fuels, Terrorism and Homeland Security, and Equipment Management and Maintenance.

We hope you will find it important to "ally" with us in Las Vegas, but if you can't make it this year, please continue in giving us your feedback and sharing your views.

Thanks for reading.

Michelle Garetson

Editor's contact information: editor@gsetoday.com or call 920-563-1622