Çelebi Aviation has achieved a significant global milestone in safety. The company has been awarded the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) “Enhanced Ground Support Equipment Certification” by further strengthening safety in aircraft operations. Çelebi Aviation is setting a new industry benchmark by implementing collision prevention systems at the highest number of stations worldwide.
With over 65 years of experience operating on three continents, in six countries, and at 70 stations across the world, Çelebi Aviation consistently invests in innovative technologies to maximize operational safety. In 2019, IATA recommended that all new equipment used near aircraft must include collision prevention systems. Çelebi Aviation took this standard a step further by integrating these systems into all of its existing equipment starting that same year. The company continues to work towards equipping its entire fleet with this safety technology through regular annual modifications.
Çelebi Aviation maintains the highest safety standards across its entire fleet
Launched by IATA in 2024, the “IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Program” aims to enhance safety in ground handling services by requiring all equipment used near aircraft to be equipped with collision prevention systems. Çelebi Aviation is fully aligned with these requirements, ensuring its entire fleet meets the highest safety standards. The collision prevention systems automatically reduce the speed of equipment as it approaches aircraft and stop the equipment when it reaches a certain, pre-defined distance, thereby enhancing operational safety.
Under the certification program implemented in 2024, companies can qualify for the certificate if the equipment at a station is outfitted with collision prevention systems leading to at least a 20% reduction in the risk of ground damage. So far, Çelebi Aviation has achieved this certification at 17 stations and plans to expand modifications across its entire network to secure the certification at all its stations.
Speaking on this achievement, Dave Dorner, CEO of Çelebi Aviation Group, said: “Safety has always been our top priority at Çelebi Aviation. Ground support equipment plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of accidents in the operational area, ensuring safer ground operations for both employee and aircraft. We are proud to demonstrate our commitment to safety with IATA’s Enhanced GSE Recognition Program, which we achieved through our investment and the commitment with our highly skilled techical team in this technology. This step will also contribute to raising safety standards globally.”
“We congratulate Çelebi on achieving IATA’s Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE) recognition across 17 stations and welcome their ambition to extend this across their entire network. As an early adopter, Çelebi is leading the way by implementing enhanced GSE with data-driven processes that improve safety, minimize ground damage, and reduce risk in ground operations—advancing the industry’s critical transition to enhanced GSE.” said Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security. With this certification, IATA aims to usher in a new era of apron safety. The widespread adoption of collision prevention systems will establish a higher standard for aircraft and equipment safety, and Çelebi Aviation is reinforcing its industry-leading position through this pioneering approach.
