Pride of Ground Handling Awards 2019 Winners

Unsung Hero Award Winner

Eugeniusz Gawryszewski, LS Airport Services, Warsaw Chopin Airport

Gineo is the much-loved Godfather of GSE whose encyclopedic knowledge of pushback tractors, GPUs and belt loaders has been handed down thousands of colleagues at LS Airport Services over a 36-year career. Hundreds of GSE drivers work today on authorisations signed off by trainer, Genio who’s never happier than when suspended 10m above an aircraft in a deicing cab. Modest, loyal, passionate about his profession – Genio goes on inspiring generation after generation and is a worthy winner of our Unsung Hero Award.

Rising Star Award Winner

Sofiya Maksymchuk, Airport Terminal Services

Sofiya displayed amazing leadership skills as station manager for ATS in Toronto. She put in place a career development pathway that allowed people to transition from part-time to full-time hours. Sofiya also recognized gaps in her own knowledge and took positive steps to address them and win the respect of the team. Ingrid is accepting the award on behalf of Sofiya.

Ramp Safety Award Winner

Mutungi Amos Muhoozi, National Aviation Services

Amos, a driver at NAS Uganda swooped into action when he spotted a fire within the landing gear of an MD11 transporting currency for the Bank of Uganda.
Amos raised the alarm then rushed to the scene brandishing two fire extinguishers. He battled the flames single handedly and saved an estimated $2.48 billion in equipment and cash, plus the priceless wellbeing of 14 aviation colleagues.

Best Handler−Airline Innovation Award Winner

SATS - WElink and D3, Singapore

Our winner has delivered an imaginative solution to the growing Passenger with Reduced Mobility challenge facing all aviation operators. The team devised the WElink self-driving wheelchair, which accompany staff on PRM journeys, reducing the strain on staff and ensuring a more comfortable and reliable service for passengers.

Best Station Award Winner

Aviapartner, Girona Airport

We’re truly impressed by the depth of partnership the Girona team have forged with their airlines. Their KPIs are not just some of the strongest we’ve seen- it’s what they are measuring that’s equally impressive. The scorecard is uniquely balanced: OTP, baggage delivery, ramp safety, flight-file checks, GSE maintenance. That equilibrium drives quality, safety and customer service in unison

Best Cargo Handling Operation Winner

Gerry’s dnata, Jinnah International Airport, Karachi

The team have risen like a phoenix out of the flames after a heartbreaking terrorist attack. They have built a world-class facility combined it with great teamwork in a fitting riposte to the terrorist attackers who tried to destroy them. In doing so they embody the ‘can do’ spirit of cargo and are worthy winners