The Gulf Airports Services Association (GASA) is an association of 11 regional non-airline ground handling agencies. We meet regularly to explore ways to work more closely together through the exchange of ideas on procedures, documentation, equipment and training. The result is more cost effective handling and improved services.

The concept of GASA started in 1978, when representatives from 5 agencies decided, in the spirit of the GCC, to meet to discuss all possible ways of working together. The first Gulf Area Handling Companies Co-ordination Meeting was held in Muscat on the 30th May 1978. The name became GASA in 1980 and the group increased to 8 members in 1982 and by a further 2 by 1987. The 10 agencies provide handling at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Bahrain, Dhahran, Doha, Dubai, Fujairah, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh and Sharjah.

In 1980 GASA was invited to attend the IATA Airport Handling Agreements sub-committee. In 1988 GASA was one of the Founder Members of the IATA Ground Handling Council, which replaced the sub-committee. GASA has also been a solid supporter of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) and has attended its airport services committee meetings as an observer since 1983.

The desire for co-operation and mutual benefit led to a decision in 1979 to introduce the LOPAC Departure Control System (DCS) to provide a common use system. By 1983 this was in use in 5 Gulf stations. A co-ordinated plan to improve all round customer services led, in 1987, to a switch to the British Airways DCS, in conjunction with Gulf Air.

The 1990's have seen a spotlight on the Gulf area, with an increasing world-wide awareness of the travel opportunities available. New markets have opened up and this has resulted in the growth and expansion of several airports in the region.

GASA is now planning for the challenges of the 21st century. Several initiatives have been taken to ensure that its experience and resources are directed to give airlines, passengers and shippers higher levels of service than ever before. We have developed a training manual, together with a comprehensive range of training material on all aspects of ground handling and courses are conducted at various GASA locations.

To continue the development and to build on this excellent training programme, GASA is establishing measurable service delivery standards equal to, or higher than international airline requirements.

Although competition for business is keen amongst the GASA airports, it is realised that efforts to improve standards in general throughout the region will attract additional airlines for the benefit of all. The members of GASA are determined to continue their efforts to develop and improve service standards in the region.