ELEVATING AVIATION STAN DAR DS
ELEVATING AVIATION STAN DAR DS
As airport operations evolve, Sky Handling Partner is setting new benchmarks in the ground services sector. Managing Director, Darren Moloney, discusses how the company is focusing on safety, security, and efficiency amidst rising challenges and opportunities in a dynamic travel landscape
Writer: Rachel Carr | Project Manager: Poppi Burke
Airports are hives of activity where ground services play a crucial role in orchestrating logistics that are as essential as aviation itself.
In this dynamic environment, the individuals working in these vital roles often operate behind the scenes but are fundamental to ensuring the smooth flow of air travel.
These interconnected hubs depend on a complex network of support operations that guarantee every aspect, from baggage handling to passenger assistance, runs efficiently amongst the hustle and bustle of arrivals and departures.
During peak travel times, demand for these services increases significantly, highlighting the airline
industry’s most visible responsibilities.
Known for its efficiency and reliability, Sky Handling Partner (SHP) is a prominent player in the airport ground handling sector, operating within Groupe CRIT’s global ground handling division.
The company provides essential aircraft turnaround services to major airlines, including passenger handling, ramp, and load control, prioritising safety, reliability, and the customer experience.
Established in Ireland in 2000, SHP expanded its operations to the UK in 2011, specifically at London City Airport (LCY) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR), before launching the Cobalt Ground Solutions brand in 2016.
At present, SHP boasts a dedicated workforce of over 1,850 employees spread across its primary operational hubs in Dublin, Shannon, and London.
“Safety, security, and service are the cornerstones of our performance. All our stations have dedicated on-site safety and security teams who collaborate closely with airport community stakeholders,” introduces Darren Moloney, General Manager.
“The coordination of these teams at all levels facilitates a safety-first approach to every aspect of our ground handling activities.”
Moreover, to strengthen and nurture its partnerships with major airline clients, the company implements a range of strategic initiatives to enhance collaboration and ensure mutual growth.
With a comprehensive range of services, Cobalt Ground Solutions collaborates with SHP to ensure consistent operational standards across various locations, whilst also leveraging Groupe Europe Handling’s expertise.
“Groupe Europe Handling, Cobalt Ground Solutions, and SHP share many of the same airline customers across our network. The adoption of resource and planning technologies safeguards alignment with airline standards and requirements,” Moloney adds.
EMBRACING INNOVATION
Key challenges currently facing the aviation industry include operational disruptions, rising fuel costs, customer demands, sustainability compliance, and delays in hiring processes, with the latter being particularly problematic for SHP.
However, the company is preparing to address these issues through strategic investments and enhanced customer service initiatives.
“Seasonality remains a primary challenge for our Dublin operations, coupled with the necessity to scale resource bases accordingly,” Moloney acknowledges.
COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT SHP’S SUPPLY CHAIN AND HOW YOU MANAGE TO HARMONISE
OPERATIONS ACROSS AIRPORTS?
DARREN MOLONEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR: “GSE fleet procurement, aviation insurance, and a departure control system are examples of material input components to the business that are managed and coordinated at group level, with Groupe Europe Handling in Paris taking the lead.
“This supports engagement with strong, reliable service partners who deliver consistent standards and are key contributors to SHP’s overall service performance.”
“The enhanced security vetting process dictates a longer recruitment timeline, with onboarding for summer operations commencing in early Q1 annually.”
To achieve this, SHP needs to streamline the recruitment process whilst maintaining rigorous standards, balancing efficiency with quality in attracting talent.
“Ensuring the ground handling sector is an attractive career option for a workforce that appears more transitory. This requires a strong focus on recruitment policies, training, and development, and it must clearly highlight a career development path,” he emphasises.
“Additionally, SHP offers competitive packages to new entrants with various opportunities to adopt flexible roster options for team
members that provide a good and predictable work-life balance whilst ensuring sufficient flexibility to cover airline operations in a dynamic and fluid environment.”
As SHP implements competitive employment packages to ensure a balanced work-life environment for team members, it is also committed to advancing the electrification of its fleet across Europe, recognising that the availability of charging infrastructure at each airport will be crucial to this transition.
“The electrification programme is airport-dependent and heavily influenced by the electric charging capacity available within each station.
“The class of ground support equipment (GSE) that has already commenced the transition to electric includes baggage tractors, belt
loaders, and our car fleet. Over the next few years, we will accelerate electrification across our fleet at all stations,” Moloney details.
OPTIMISING OPERATIONS
Airport ground handling services have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancement and integration.
As a result, the sector is increasingly embracing automation and data-driven approaches to improve operational efficiency and safety.
This evolution has introduced innovative tools and systems that streamline and improve the overall passenger experience, fundamentally changing how ground services are delivered at airports worldwide.
Indeed, SHP is exploring specific enhancements to its IT infrastructure and software to boost operations and customer service with a versatile technology solution.
“WorkBridge is currently being introduced to stations in the UK and Ireland to provide enhanced operational visibility in real-time,” Moloney tells us.
This solution is designed to support all types of airport services, including baggage and cargo handling, passenger check-in, boarding, security, and maintenance.
“The platform facilitates accurate resource planning across service delivery teams and enables controllers to optimise our response to off-schedule airline activity on any given day,” he informs.
“It also provides oversight on skill set requirements, so our planning teams can factor this into our seasonal planning programmes.”
In addition to improving resource management, customer services, and overall efficiency with WorkBridge’s sophisticated system capabilities, SHP has introduced integrated compliance, safety, and risk management.
Providing Exclusive Logistics & Transport Services for You
Established in Dublin Airport in 1993, Sky Couriers International began as a delivery company that provided same-day delivery for airlines’ delayed baggage.
Over the years, as our business has grown, so has our fleet. With over 40 vehicles, we now service many different industry types, including medical supplies, freight, AOG parts, delayed baggage for airlines, printing supplies, and other ad hoc work.
In recent years, we have expanded outside of Dublin Airport to include delivery hubs in Belfast, Cork, and Shannon. Sky Couriers International’s reliability, strong focus on customer service, and personal approach have contributed to our success and our long-standing customer base. We take great pride in our service, and we have our customers’ stories to prove it.
Our services
Airline Baggage & Oversized Luggage Delivery
We specialise in same-day delivery of delayed luggage for airlines and have done so for over 30 years. Since expanding our bases to Cork, Shannon, and Belfast, we make the delivery of your lost luggage our priority and ensure it is delivered straight to your door as soon as possible.
We provide secure and exclusive transport for excess luggage and oversized items, including:
• Golf clubs
• Bicycles
• Buggies
• Oversized or additional cases
We collect directly from the airport or any location and deliver straight to your accommodation or chosen destination.
Logistics
Our logistics services include:
• Same-day deliveries 24/7 (weekends and out-of-hours)
• Local and national
• Collections nationwide
• Airport drop-offs and collections
• Multidrop specialists Freight
Our same-day freight delivery service ensures your time-sensitive goods reach their destination on time. We service several freight and shipping companies daily, and understand the challenges they face.
Our strong focus on customer service and providing up-to-date information on pick up, collection, and proof of delivery, provides our freight customers with peace of mind that their delivery is in safe hands.
Our freight services include:
• National and local delivery
• Direct and groupage
• Express deliveries
• Airport pick and deliveries
• Experienced drivers, all garda vetted
• Wide range of vehicles
• 24/7 service
• Transport management systems for PODs and tracking + label printing
• Each customer gets their own portal
Pharma
Sky Couriers International’s 24/7 service ensures all your healthcare and pharma deliveries are taken care of, whether it’s urgent or scheduled deliveries, we’re here to help.
Our Healthcare and pharma delivery services Include:
• Pharma supplies
• GP and hospital collection and delivery
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Tailored services to suit your requirements
Deliveries are arranged by our specialist team, who will ensure your delivery reaches its destination on time.
All drivers are experienced and hold licensed GDP passports.
Direct dedicated vehicles of all sizes available
Express service local and nationwide 24/7 (out-of-hours and weekends)
Storage & Warehousing
Our storage and warehousing services include:
• Secure warehouse beside Dublin Airport
• Pallet handling
• Picking and packing
• Out-of-hours and weekend accessibility
• Collections and storage from Dublin Airport
Digital Printing
Our digital printing service includes:
• Experience in nationwide campaigns
• For time-sensitive deliveries
• Out-of-hours and weekend deliveries
• Real-time PODs and tracking
• Transport management systems
“In February, we moved to Centrik by Trustflight, an integrated safety management system (SMS) designed to streamline compliance, risk management, reporting, and operational safety processes within the aviation industry,” Moloney outlines.
“The transition to the new SMS was carried out using a structured approach to minimise disruption to operations and maintain compliance with safety requirements.”
To facilitate this transition, SHP conducted a thorough assessment to inform decisions on how to proceed.
“The project began with a review of the existing system and a gap analysis to identify requirements and reporting needs that needed to be replicated or improved within the new platform. Existing safety data, including reports, risk registers, audits, and corrective actions from the outgoing system, were retained and archived,” states Moloney.
ENHANCING THE EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
Several critical factors make SHP an appealing workplace for employees – these elements foster a supportive and engaging environment that promotes professional growth and job satisfaction.
“MANY TEAM MEMBERS HIGHLIGHT SUPPORTIVE COLLEAGUES AND A STRONG TEAMWORK CULTURE AS AMONGST THE BEST PARTS OF WORKING FOR THE COMPANY. COLLABORATION IS ESSENTIAL IN AVIATION OPERATIONS, AND EMPLOYEES OFTEN BUILD STRONG WORKING RELATIONSHIPS”
–
DARREN MOLONEY, MANAGING DIRECTOR, SKY HANDLING PARTNER
SHP – IN NUMBERS
• 31 MILLION passenger movements a year
• 30,000 tonnes of cargo moved annually
• 30 airlines in the portfolio
• 400,000 flights handled yearly
• 16 stations in eight countries
• 4,200 employees
“Our employees are part of frontline airport operations where no two days are the same. Working closely with airlines, passengers, and flight operations creates an energetic and rewarding atmosphere,” Moloney explains.
“Many team members highlight supportive colleagues and a strong teamwork culture as amongst the best parts of working for the company. Collaboration is essential in aviation operations, and employees often build strong working relationships.”
As SHP’s feedback indicates, employees seem to appreciate this way of working, which further enhances team dynamics and individual development.
The company not only promotes internal progression but also provides exposure to different operational areas within aviation handling services.
Employees therefore gain valuable industry experience and practical skills that support long-term career growth.
“SHP is dedicated to investing in operational and safety training to ensure staff are confident and prepared in their roles. This helps them develop professionally whilst maintaining high service standards,” Moloney optimistically concludes.
“Meanwhile, in terms of priorities
for the coming year, our two main objectives are to complete the rollout of WorkBridge and appoint a Culture Learning and Development Manager for our operations in Ireland.”
By leveraging technology and implementing strategies that address industry challenges, SHP demonstrates its commitment to improving operational standards and building strong relationships with airline clients.
Furthermore, as the company advances electrification and innovative solutions, it delivers a smoother travel experience for
passengers and positions itself as a leader in the sustainable and efficient management of airport services.
As a result, SHP is set to raise the standards of airport ground handling across Europe and beyond.
