About Us

The voice of the Aviation Services Providers

01 About Us 02 What We Do 03 Our Objectives 04 Mission Statement 05 Who We Are

About Us

ASA is the only internationally recognised non-profit trade association for the Aviation Services Providers:

Ground Handling (passengers, luggage...)
Cargo Handling
Catering
Fueling
MRO ...

We represent the men and women that are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of billions of travellers worldwide.

We collaborate with affiliate associations to advance the sector’s interests and influence decision-makers on issues that are relevant to our industry.

Born in 1974 as the Independent Aviation Handlers Association (IAHA), focusing on European airport and ground handling related issues, ASA has since grown to become the global representative of the Aviation Services . Here at ASA we are working constantly to strengthen the reputation of the industry an advance the interests of our members and our sector in an increasingly complex aviation landscape.

The Aviation Services Providers currently accounts for 1.6 million employees worldwide. The numbers point to a highly successful, fast-growing sector, and yet our industry faces major challenges – from staff recruitment and retention to the emergence of new technologies.

ASA unites members to provide a platform where our companies can drive change, influence the industry and promote safety and quality at our airports.

We collaborate with all of our business partners on matters of safety and security, whilst adhering strictly to our anti-trust policy.

Over 70+ Service Providers, irrespective of their size, corporate structure, or geographical location, are ASA members and have a say in the definition of our policies and positions on critical issues.

Articles of Association

What We Do

We work together with governments, regulators and other organisations across the aviation sector to promote the interests of our members.

the International Air Transport Association (IATA),
the Airports Council International (ACI),
the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO),
EASA
....

We collaborate with all of our business partners on matters of safety and security, whilst adhering strictly to our anti-trust policy.

ASA acts as a catalyst for safer, more efficient, sustainable, and resilient industry

strengthening the sector’s reputation,
influencing the Authorities’ decision-makers,
and bringing together the sector experts for impactful solutions.

Holistic approach.png

Our Objectives

To be recognised and consulted as the representative and the voice of All Aviation Service Providers worldwide, on a par with IATA, ICAO and ACI.
To improve operational and safety standards through the development of ASA programmes and continued collaboration with industry stakeholders.
To represent the collective interests of the members through the development of positioning papers, presentations and data analytics, and ensure the appropriate representation in the face of industry bodies.
To offer a professional networking platform, where all members can debate and share within the laws of competition. This will be done through the ASA website, email, LinkedIn, Twitter and face-to-face networking opportunities.
To develop new services and products, provide professional endorsements of suppliers without obligation, benchmark global good practice and provide thought leadership.
To engage with suppliers and partners, and embrace technology in designing future facilities and equipment.
To reduce emissions and promote long term sustainability through the use of innovative and renewable energy-powered equipment, as well as joining existing well-recognised initiative such as the ones put in place by ACI aiming at achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Mission Statement

Our Vision is to promote a safe, secure and sustainable future for the Aviation Services Providers.

We advance the collective interests of our members and work together with affiliate associations and external partners to address common challenges.

We will always act professionally and with integrity, working in the best interest of our members and of the sector.
We will always be our members’ trusted partner, acting on behalf of the collective, not the individual.
We will always consider the needs of the global membership, treating each and every one of our members with respect.

We will not rest in pursuit of our vision and will celebrate our success.

Who We Are

Fabio GAMBA Director General

Fabio has over 20 years’ experience in the aviation and aerospace sectors. He currently serves as the managing director of Airline Catering Association (ACA) and Director General of Airport Services Association (ASA). Prior to this, he was the CEO of the European Business Aviation Association and the Deputy Secretary General of the Association of European Airlines.

Ariaen ZIMMERMAN Head of Operations and Programs

Ariaen is a seasoned manager with quite a versatile and wide-ranging background in aviation, in particular in air cargo where he has held various high-level positions, including as Executive Director at Cargo iQ.

Mercedes DIEGUEZ Head of Marketing & Communication

Mercedes has a multicultural background and is passionate about aviation. She joined ASA in 2022 as the Head of Marketing and Communication. Mercedes has over 18 years of experience in similar positions within companies active in the ground handling industry.

Thomas KONIETZKO Head of Membership Community

Thomas has been active in Ground Handling and Aviation during the past 10+ years. Following his engagements with Swissport and Celebi in Senior commercial positions, he recently joined Xovis as EVP Airports, a global role to rethink digitalization. His international engagement started with his 10-year tenure for studies in the USA, where he received his MBA at Denver University. Since, he has been based in Switzerland in various roles and industries.

Elena BAH RISLER Events & Data Coordinator

Elena has a multicultural background. She speaks 5 European languages, validated by the Sorbonne University (Paris), where she graduated as a language teacher. Naturally, her interest in languages, communication, intercultural relations, and travel lead her to training, coaching, Translating and Interpreting. She chose to embrace the Industry, to support VIPs for over 20 years. She is passionate about Aeronautics & Aviation, facilitating partnerships in challenging multicultural contexts.