OPERATIONS · ON THE GROUND
ARRIVAL GROUND HANDLING: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHES DOWN
The flight doesn't end when the wheels touch the runway. The minutes that follow are choreographed too.
The aircraft has landed, but it hasn't arrived yet. Between touchdown and the moment the passenger steps into the car, a short, rehearsed sequence unfolds that almost no one sees.
First the marshaller appears: with two wands he guides the aircraft to its exact spot on the ramp and the chocks go in. Next the ground power unit (GPU) is connected if needed, the airstair comes down and the requested services are readied. If the flight is international, passengers clear immigration and customs (CIQ), which at an FBO is usually quick and private, with no lines. Meanwhile the baggage is unloaded and the courtesy car waits, ideally, at the foot of the stairs.
That all of this happens in minutes isn't luck: it's an arrival coordinated with the same care as the departure. The passenger only notices that getting off the aircraft was as easy as getting on.
The aircraft has landed, but it hasn't arrived yet. Between touchdown and the moment the passenger steps into the car, a short, rehearsed sequence unfolds that almost no one sees.
First the marshaller appears: with two wands he guides the aircraft to its exact spot on the ramp and the chocks go in. Next the ground power unit (GPU) is connected if needed, the airstair comes down and the requested services are readied. If the flight is international, passengers clear immigration and customs (CIQ), which at an FBO is usually quick and private, with no lines. Meanwhile the baggage is unloaded and the courtesy car waits, ideally, at the foot of the stairs.
That all of this happens in minutes isn't luck: it's an arrival coordinated with the same care as the departure. The passenger only notices that getting off the aircraft was as easy as getting on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is marshalling?
The marshaller's visual guidance that directs the aircraft to its exact parking spot on the ramp.
Do I clear immigration even on a private jet?
On international flights, yes (CIQ). The difference is that at an FBO it's usually faster and more private than at a commercial terminal.
Can the car wait at the foot of the aircraft?
At many FBOs, yes, depending on airport rules; it's coordinated in advance.
Who unloads the baggage?
The FBO's handling staff, coordinated by the flight-support provider.
How long does all this take?
On a well-coordinated arrival, minutes; international formalities can add a little more.
The marshaller's visual guidance that directs the aircraft to its exact parking spot on the ramp.
Do I clear immigration even on a private jet?
On international flights, yes (CIQ). The difference is that at an FBO it's usually faster and more private than at a commercial terminal.
Can the car wait at the foot of the aircraft?
At many FBOs, yes, depending on airport rules; it's coordinated in advance.
Who unloads the baggage?
The FBO's handling staff, coordinated by the flight-support provider.
How long does all this take?
On a well-coordinated arrival, minutes; international formalities can add a little more.
