About us

We are the voice of Aviation Service Providers.

ASA World, the Aviation Services Association, is the only internationally recognized non-profit Trade Association dedicated to representing Aviation Service Providers. Our members play a critical role in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and comfort of billions of travellers worldwide. ASA World stands as the global voice of the Ground Handling and Cargo Handling Industry.

Since its inception in 1990 as the Independent Aviation Handlers Association (IAHA), it first evolved into (ASA) the Airport Services Association and, more recently, the Aviation Services Association, reflecting our expanded focus on serving aviation stakeholders, not just those at airports. Today, ASA World represents over 80 service providers and 1.6 million employees worldwide, uniting them under one banner to drive change, influence industry standards, and promote safety and quality across the sector.

We work tirelessly to advance the interests of our members in a complex and ever-changing aviation landscape. From addressing challenges like workforce recruitment and the integration of new technologies to collaborating with affiliate associations and influencing decision-makers, ASA World is at the forefront of industry advocacy.

We are the voice of Aviation Service Providers

Some of our collaborations:

What We Do

Championing Aviation Service Providers Globally

At ASA World, we work closely with governments, regulators, and key organizations across the Aviation sector to champion the interests of our members.
Our collaborative efforts span the entire industry, ensuring that the voices of Aviation Service Providers are heard and considered in all relevant discussions and decisions.

We prioritize safety, security and the industry sustainability by working hand-in-hand with our business partners and strictly adhering to our anti-trust policy.

ASA World’s Holistic Three-Pillar Approach: ASA World operates under a comprehensive three-pillar approach to effectively advocate for, and support, the Aviation Services Sector.

By adopting this holistic approach, ASA World ensures that the Aviation Services sector is well-equipped to meet current and future demands while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

1st Pillar | Advocacy

Influencing Decision-Making: ASA World actively engages with decision-makers to ensure that legislation reflects the needs of the industry. We work on implementing industry best practices and international standards in collaboration with key global organizations like ICAO, EASA, and IATA.

Promoting the Sector: We elevate the sector's profile by advocating for its critical role in the aviation ecosystem.

2nd Pillar | Operations

Identifying and Solving Pain Points: through dedicated committees and ad hoc working groups, ASA World identifies key issues affecting the industry and proposes practical solutions for topics relevant to all.

Driving Industry Solutions: We focus on creating actionable strategies that address operational challenges, ensuring the Industry remains efficient and reinforces its resilience.

3rd Pillar | Communication

Collecting and Sharing Relevant Information: ASA World serves as a hub for information, facilitating the exchange of crucial industry insights.

Bringing the Community Together: we connect industry leaders through webinars, meetings, discussion and events, keeping members informed about the most pressing issues in time.

Our Objectives

ASA World plays a pivotal role in advocating for the essential contributions of Ground Service Providers in air transport and global connectivity.
Our mission is to amplify our members' voices and highlight their indispensable role in the global economy.

ASA World's objectives not only concern ASA World members, but Ground Service companies in general and all key stakeholders in the Aviation Ground Services Industry, everywhere in the world.

ASA World was recognised as a Global Association by ICAO in 2024.

To strengthen global advocacy and representation
To be recognised as the trusted representative and voice of Aviation Service Providers worldwide, ensuring industry-wide consultation on key issues and fostering trust among service providers and stakeholders.

To represent the collective interests of our members
To boost the development of thought leadership with position papers, presentations, industry reports and data analytics. This to ensure appropriate representation facing industry bodies, and make our members’ voices heard in discussions with other global stakeholders.

To improve operational and safety standards
To drive the continuous improvement of operational excellence and safety standards through ASA World programs and partnerships with industry stakeholders.

To develop new services and products
To develop innovative services and products, endorse professional suppliers without obligation, benchmark global good practices and grant Thought Leadership.

To foster innovation and the adoption of technology
To engage with suppliers and partners to embrace cutting-edge technology, design future-ready facilities, and adopt equipment that enhances operational efficiency and safety.

To reduce emissions and promote long term sustainability
To lead sustainability efforts by promoting renewable energy solutions, reducing emissions, and supporting global initiatives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

To offer a professional networking platform
To create a dynamic networking platform where all members can debate and share within the laws of competition, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
ASA World provides such a space through our website and communication channels: emails, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and meetings & Events, for face-to-face networking opportunities.

Our Mission & Vision

Our Mission

We empower and unite global Aviation Service Providers to uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainability. By fostering collaboration with affiliate associations and partners, we address shared challenges and drive operational excellence across the industry.

Our Vision

In line with our mission, our vision is to elevate industry performance across key areas: safety, sustainability, quality, and economic performance. We are committed to the highest standards, and we play an important role in the betterment of the industry.

ASA World's vision covers the following key topics:

Follow Industry Standards
Care for our People
Collaborate with Customers and Stakeholders
Foster a Sustainable Future

Our vision in a few words

Who We Are

A Dedicated Team of Experts

Waleed joined ASA World in January 2025, following a distinguished career in airport development and privatization, finance, policy, and economic regulation.

He is committed to advancing the long-term interests of the air services industry and our members through constructive engagement with regulatory bodies, industry organizations, and stakeholders.

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 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.

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.