What Ground Handling International does

Ground Handling International (GHI) is a B2B media and events company serving the global aviation ground handling industry. Founded in 1995 and operated as MA Business Ltd, a subsidiary of the Mark Allen Group, the company is headquartered in Dartford, UK, with a small team of approximately 13 staff. GHI's core product is the Ground Handling International magazine, published six times annually in print and electronic format, positioned as "the voice of the handling industry" and essential reading for industry decision-makers. The company's operations centre on a portfolio of six annual conferences spanning geographies and themes: the flagship 27th Annual GHI Conference (London, December 2026), the 18th Asian GHI Conference (Hong Kong, February 2027), the 11th Americas GHI Conference (Miami, June 2027), the 9th African GHI Conference (Addis Ababa, April 2027), the GHI Safety Conference (London Gatwick, March 2027), and GSE Expo Europe (Lisbon, September 2026, co-organised with a partner). Each conference features GHI's signature One-to-One Meeting service, where staff personally curate delegate meeting schedules in 15, 25, or 55-minute slots, supplemented by Speed Networking forums and a conference app. The Pride of Ground Handling Awards, held annually in December with 13 categories including Digital Innovation and Ramp Safety subcategories, extends the community engagement layer.

GHI generates revenue through four primary streams: magazine subscriptions (recurring), conference delegate fees ($1,100-$2,995 per pass depending on region), exhibition stand rentals ($5,665-$7,965 per unit), and tiered sponsorship packages (Silver $8,500 through Platinum $15,000-plus plus specialised sponsorships for delegate bags, WiFi, lanyards, and content slots). The customer base spans four primary segments: ground handling service providers (Aviapartner, Menzies Aviation, Swissport, dnata, WFS, PrimeFlight), airlines (easyJet), airports, and GSE manufacturers and suppliers (Mallaghan, HiSERV). Go-to-market is event-driven: conference attendance reportedly generates US$232,400 in average contracts per Asian Conference attendee, with 85-95% of delegates gaining new business leads. The company markets through its magazine, dedicated event websites, email campaigns, and direct sales by named portfolio and commercial directors. There is no software-as-a-service product; GHI's underlying technology comprises event websites, a conference mobile app, and the One-to-One Meeting scheduling platform, supported by Mark Allen Group's publishing infrastructure.

Name

Ground Handling International

Legal name

MA Business Ltd

Website

https://groundhandling.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ground Handling International is a UK-based B2B media and events company serving the global aviation ground handling industry since 1995 via a trade magazine, six annual regional and thematic conferences, and the Pride of Ground Handling Awards.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aviation Trade Media and Events

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (561920)

akta.pro primary industry

Conferences & Conventions Operations Services (Registration, AV, Logistics) (MPAGAGAM)

Keywords

• Aviation ground handling
• Trade publication
• Industry conferences
• Networking events
• B2B media

Headquarters

HQ city

Dartford

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Magazine Publishing: Ground Handling International magazine published six times annually in printed and electronic formats, serving as essential reading for ground handling industry decision-makers globally.
2. Conference Delegate Fees: Revenue from delegate passes for regional conferences including the Annual, Americas, Asian, African, Safety, and GSE Expo events. Fees include access to conference sessions, networking events, One-to-One Meetings, and delegate dinners.
3. Exhibition and Sponsorship: Revenue from exhibition stand rentals, sponsorship packages (Platinum, Gold, Silver tiers), and special sponsorship opportunities including delegate bags, lanyards, WiFi, delegate dinner, and content spotlight slots.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Ground Handling International publishes a B2B trade magazine for the aviation ground handling industry (printed and electronic, six issues per year since 1995) and organizes a portfolio of regional and thematic conferences worldwide, including the Annual, Americas, Asian, African, Safety, and GSE Expo events. The company also runs the Pride of Ground Handling Awards and operates proprietary networking services such as pre-scheduled One-to-One Meetings and Speed Networking forums connecting airlines, ground handlers, airports, and GSE suppliers.

Product overview

Ground Handling International (GHI) operates as a B2B publishing and events company serving the global aviation ground handling industry. The company's product portfolio consists of a print and digital magazine (Ground Handling International Magazine, published six times annually since 1995) and a suite of regional and thematic conference products. The conference portfolio includes the flagship Annual GHI Conference (27th edition in December 2026), the Americas GHI Conference (11th, June 2027, Miami), the Asian GHI Conference (18th, February 2027, Hong Kong), the African GHI Conference (9th, April 2027, Addis Ababa), the GHI Safety Conference (March 2027, London Gatwick), and GSE Expo Europe (September 2026, Lisbon). These are complemented by the Pride of Ground Handling Awards (December 2026) and networking support services including One-to-One Meetings and Speed Networking forums. The company also produces the GHI Conference Podcast Series. The magazine and conferences serve as the primary revenue and brand vehicles, with conferences generating measurable ROI through pre-scheduled meeting programmes. There is no software-as-a-service product; GHI is not a software platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pride of Ground Handling Awards: The only global awards event dedicated to recognizing the incredible people and companies across the ground handling industry.
• GSE Expo Europe

Products and services

• Ground Handling International Magazine The company's flagship B2B trade publication serving the global aviation ground handling industry since 1995. Published six times per year in printed and electronic formats, providing industry news, in-depth features, and coverage of issues relevant to ground handling decision-makers worldwide, including ramp, passenger, and cargo handling operations.
• GHI Annual Conference The flagship annual B2B conference bringing together global aviation community stakeholders including airlines, ground handlers, airports, and suppliers for one-to-one meetings, conference seminars, and supplier exhibition. The 27th edition takes place at Olympia, London on 1-3 December 2026.
• Asian GHI Conference Asia's leading aviation ground handling conference, now in its 18th edition, taking place in Hong Kong from 23-25 February 2027. Hosts 400+ senior decision-makers from airlines, airports, ground handlers, and suppliers with One-to-One Meetings, speed networking, and conference sessions.
• Americas GHI Conference The premier networking event for aviation ground handling professionals across North, Central, and South America, now in its 11th edition. Takes place at Miami Beach Convention Centre, 22-24 June 2027. Hosts 550+ decision-makers with 2,300+ One-to-One Meetings.
• African GHI Conference Africa's leading aviation ground handling conference, now in its 9th edition, uniting Africa's aviation community at Ethiopian Skylight, Addis Ababa on 27-28 April 2027. Features 150+ key decision-makers and 500+ One-to-One Meetings.
• GHI Safety Conference A dedicated safety forum for the aviation industry focused on apron safety challenges, employee attrition, and hazardous equipment. Partners with aviation stakeholders to share best practices and equipment innovations across the global supply chain. Takes place at Hilton, London Gatwick on 23 March 2027.
• GSE Expo Europe A ground support equipment expo co-organised with GHI, bringing together aviation suppliers and ground handlers for exhibition and networking. Takes place at FIL, Lisbon on 15-17 September 2026.
• Pride of Ground Handling Awards The only global awards event dedicated to recognising excellence and people in the ground handling industry. Features 13 categories including Digital Innovation (cargo, passenger experience, and ramp operations), Ramp Safety Hero, and Ramp Safety Innovation. Takes place on 1 December 2026 at Olympia, London. Entry is free.
• One-to-One Meetings Service GHI's premium pre-scheduled meeting planner service that connects delegates with industry decision-makers through personalised meeting schedules built by GHI's expert team in 15, 25, or 55-minute slots, with private meeting rooms provided. Hosts over 2,300 One-to-One Meetings at Americas Conference and over 1,000 at Asian Conference.
• Speed Networking A quick-fire introductory networking forum connecting delegates with airlines and ground handlers whose schedules preclude formal One-to-One Meetings. Features five-minute sessions hosted at designated tables in the exhibition area over two conference days.
• Conference App Mobile application providing real-time schedule updates, full delegate list with photographs, and networking features for conference attendees across GHI events.
• GHI Conference Podcast Series Podcast series featuring industry discussions and interviews hosted by Sophie Skinner-Jones, with episodes covering conference topics and guest interviews with industry experts in the aviation ground handling sector.

Quantifiable outcome

• 85% of Asian Conference delegates gained at least one new business lead
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mark Allen GroupcoreOthersGHI is published by MA Business Ltd, a part of the Mark Allen Group. The Mark Allen Group is a leading media company providing the infrastructure, distribution, and publishing platform for Ground Handling International and other industry titles.
• MA Business LtdOthers
• AviapartnerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference. Aviapartner is the leading independent provider of Airport Ground Handling services across Africa and Europe, operating at over 75 airports.
• Menzies AviationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference. Menzies Aviation provides ground handling services globally.
• SwissportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference. Swissport is a major ground handling company.
• dnataminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of GHI Americas Conference. dnata is a major global aviation services provider.
• WFS (Worldwide Flight Services)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold sponsor of GHI Americas Conference. WFS provides aviation handling services.
• AGI (Aviation General Inc)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum and Central Bar sponsor of GHI Americas Conference.
• Wilcox GSEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum and Golf Headline sponsor of GHI Americas Conference.
• Colossal AfricaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference focused on African aviation growth.
• Global Load ControlminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference.
• ACI AfricaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference. Airports Council International Africa represents African airports.
• AFRAA (African Airlines Association)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference. AFRAA promotes cooperation among African airlines.
• Airport SuppliersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of GHI African Conference.
• ASA WorldminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational organization sponsor at GHI Americas Conference. ASA World is the only ICAO recognized global association leading transformation of ground and cargo handling, representing organizations employing over 1.1 million workers worldwide.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Routes (Informa): Informa-owned organizer of the world's leading route development conferences (World Routes, Routes Americas, Routes Asia, Routes Africa, Routes Europe). Directly comparable to GHI as a series of regional B2B aviation conferences that monetize delegate registration, exhibition space, and sponsorship packages by connecting airlines, airports, and aviation suppliers in pre-scheduled meeting formats.
• Air Cargo News / Air Cargo Events (JOC): Specialist B2B air cargo media and events brand running the Air Cargo News Awards and conferences targeting cargo handlers, freight forwarders, and airlines. Comparable to GHI as a niche aviation sub-segment media-and-events franchise with publication, conference, and awards monetization.
• Future Travel Experience (FTE): Specialist B2B events and media business focused on the future of passenger experience, with regional conferences (FTE Global, FTE Asia, FTE Europe) targeting airlines, airports, and ground handlers. Comparable to GHI as a series of regional aviation conferences monetizing delegate registration and sponsorship, but focused on passenger-experience innovation rather than ground handling operations.

Broad incumbents

• IATA (International Air Transport Association): Global airline trade association running industry conferences, workshops, and AGMs attended by airline and ground handling operations executives, often with sponsorship inventory sold to aviation suppliers. Comparable to GHI as a B2B aviation convening body with conference revenue, though broader in scope across operations, safety, and commercial.
• CAPA Centre for Aviation: Independent aviation research and events business producing CAPA Events, industry briefings, and the Aviation Awards for Excellence. Comparable to GHI as a B2B aviation information and conferencing franchise serving airlines, airports, and suppliers with subscription content and award programs, though broader in scope than ground handling.
• Aviation Week Network (Informa): Informa-owned B2B aviation media brand operating flagship publications ( Aviation Week & Space Technology, MRO editions) and large trade events including MRO Americas, MRO Europe, MRO Asia, and the Airline Passenger Experience (APEX) Expo. Comparable to GHI as a long-running B2B aviation media-and-events franchise serving aviation decision-makers, but at far greater scale and across broader aviation segments rather than specialized ground handling.
• Aircraft Interiors Expo (Reed Exhibitions / RX): RX (Reed Exhibitions) organizes this major B2B aviation trade show alongside the MRO Expo series, targeting airline cabin, IFE, and interiors suppliers. Comparable to GHI as a global B2B aviation trade event organized by a large media-events group with tiered sponsorship and exhibition revenue from aviation suppliers.
• Airports Council International (ACI): Global trade association representing airports that organizes the ACI World Annual General Assembly and regional conferences (ACI Asia-Pacific, ACI Africa, ACI Europe, ACI Latin America/Caribbean). Comparable to GHI as an organizer of regional B2B aviation conferences for airports and ground handling stakeholders, with sponsorship and exhibition monetization.

Regional players

• MRO Americas / MRO Europe / MRO Asia-Pacific (Aviation Week): Aviation Week-organized regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) trade shows serving airlines, MRO providers, and aviation suppliers with exhibition and sponsorship revenue. Comparable to GHI's GSE Expo Europe as an aviation aftermarket B2B trade event, though focused on MRO rather than ground support equipment and handling.
• Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX): Industry association running the annual APEX/IFSA EXPO conference for airline passenger experience, IFE, and cabin technology buyers. Comparable to GHI as a member-supported B2B aviation conference franchise, but focused on passenger experience rather than ground handling.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/groundhandlinginternational
• Xx.com/GroundHandling
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/groundhandlinginternational

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Ground Handling International