Summary
An economic operator wishing to carry out one of the 11 categories and/or subcategories of ground-handling activities at one or both airports in the Walloon Region must be accredited to do so. The service categories are related to several airside activities, such as aircraft maintenance, interior and exterior cleaning, catering and administrative assistance.
The Walloon Government Order of March 24, 2000 transposed into Walloon legislation, Council Directive 96/67/EC of October 15, 1996 relating to access to the ground handling market at Community airports.
Based on this, the economic operator (natural person or legal entity) who wishes to exercise one of the 11 categories (and/or subcategories) of ground handling (and/or self-handling activities) at one or both Walloon airports must first be issued with an approval authorizing it to carry out such activities on site.
It is emphasized that only airlines can provide self-handling services.
The complete list of categories and subcategories that may be the subject of an approval request can be found on pages 4 and 5 of the form available in attachment.
Access to airport areas can only be done after receiving access badges, its obtention is subject to prior approval.
Key points
Based on the documents received, an acknowledgment of receipt (complete or incomplete) is sent by the DRA (Direction de la Régulation aéroportuaire) within two weeks, inviting, if necessary, the economic operator to provide other documents within the month.
When the file is considered complete by the DRA, it carries out a detailed analysis. Nevertheless, it is not excluded that other documents may be required throughout the whole analysis process.
Approval application files are processed in their order of arrival and completeness.
If the economic operator wishes to provide similar services at both Walloon airports, it only submits one request form.
Only airlines can provide ground handling services.
Only economic operators registered or with a subsidiary in an EU Member State can provide ground handling activities.
In detail
The conditions for being granted accreditation is related to specific conditions :
- a sufficient financial situation ;
- an insurance policy that covers all the airside activities ;
- a proof of experience for these airside activities ;
- and others guarantees (social security certificate + 3 declarations on honor).
An application form for ground-handling accreditation (assistance en escale, AE) must be duly completed, dated and signed by a person authorised to bind the company's responsability, and must be accompanied by all the necessary documents showing that the conditions for accreditation are met.
The whole procedure is free and no costs are involved.