SGHA Workshop
Gain practical insight into the IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA), including its framework, articles, annexes, updates, and negotiation strategies for successful ground handling contracts.
@ Aeroclass
Course description
The IATA Standard Ground Handling Agreement (SGHA) has become the global benchmark for regulating relationships between airlines and ground service providers. Understanding its framework, clauses, and annexes is critical for both operational and management staff who negotiate, implement, or oversee ground handling contracts.
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the SGHA’s structure and evolution, followed by an in-depth review of the Main Agreement, Annex A, and Annex B. The training highlights key updates in the latest edition compared with previous versions and explores practical approaches to contract drafting and negotiation. Real examples and, if available, client-specific Annex B templates will be incorporated to maximize relevance and application.
By the end of this workshop, participants will not only understand the SGHA framework but also be able to apply it effectively in contract development, negotiations, and operational agreements with airlines and service providers.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:
- Explain the purpose, history, and framework of the SGHA in the ground handling industry
- Interpret and analyze the Main Agreement articles and Annexes A and B
- Recognize differences between earlier SGHA versions and the latest edition, and apply relevant updates
- Use SGHA templates and client examples to develop or review agreements
- Apply practical tips for negotiation and understand different contractual approaches
- Recognize the role of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in complementing SGHA contracts
Who should attend
- Airline station managers and ground operations managers
- Ground handling company management and contract administrators
- Legal and compliance staff involved in aviation contracts
- Other professionals involved in negotiating or implementing SGHA contracts
Meet your instructor
Christian Bergfelder
Christian Bergfelder is a seasoned Senior Aviation Executive with over 30 years of international experience across both airlines and ground service providers. His career spans major players like Lufthansa, DHL Express, Swissport, and Aviation Handling Services, as well as serving as a Subject Matter Expert for IATA in SGHA and Cargo Handling.
Starting his aviation journey as a part-time Check-in & Operations Agent while studying Business Administration at the University of Cologne, Christian later joined Deutsche Lufthansa to deepen his operational expertise. He advanced rapidly at Swissport, holding key leadership roles in both ground and cargo operations across several German airports, including Frankfurt and Cologne, where he drove financial turnarounds and operational growth.
In 2009, he transitioned to DHL Express, ultimately becoming Senior Director Network Airside & Airport Affairs Europe, where he built and led the Europe Airside department overseeing safety, compliance, ground handling contracts, and operational standards across 90+ hubs and gateways. Since 2015, Christian has also been an IATA-certified external instructor and, in 2023, launched his own consulting and training firm. He continues to contribute to the industry through IATA working groups, focusing on SGHA, ground operations, and cargo handling best practices.
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