NATA Ground Handling Safety Symposium Reaches a Decade | Aviation International News

NATA Ground Handling Safety Symposium Reaches a Decade

The conference spanned two days for the first time in its history

NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna addresses the audience — Ground handling must remain an important part of aviation’s safety equation, NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna explained at the organization’s 10th annual Ground Handling Safety Symposium.

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

September 21, 2026

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) celebrated a decade of promoting ground handling safety last week at its annual Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS). Held in Fort Worth, Texas, this year's event was expanded to two days, providing additional opportunities for operational case studies, interactive learning, and candid discussions about the challenges facing aircraft ground-handling teams.

In his opening keynote, NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna called for greater industry attention and investment in ground operations, noting that as aviation advances air traffic control modernization, flight deck safety, and emerging technologies, ground handling must remain an equally important part of the aviation safety conversation.

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