More staff shortages in the cargo handling sector
From 2023, the German Federal Aviation Authority will enforce new regulations that will make access regulations unnecessarily difficult for many air cargo companies.
Air cargo handlers with the status of regulated agents will be affected: Contrary to previous and proven practice, persons who are external to the company but necessary to the operation - such as tradesmen, veterinarians, or cleaners - will in future require additional training or an accompanying person from the regulated agent to access the handling area.
This threatens to further aggravate the persistent staff shortages in this area and cause air cargo traffic to be diverted to other countries in the medium term. The air cargo handling sector in Germany, already burdened by staff shortages, will thus face further bureaucratic hurdles that could put German air cargo handlers at a disadvantage. (cj)