What is the general rule for aircraft cargo compartments before loading, and what are the exceptions?

The general rule is that aircraft cargo compartments must be empty prior to loading. Exceptions include: (a) a fly-away kit containing items and tools necessary for aircraft repairs, required by the operator to be carried on all flights; (b) other equipment (EIC), company mail (COMAIL), or company material (COMAT); (c) ballast; and (d) in the case of transit flights, baggage, cargo, and mail loaded for the next or final destination may remain on board.

Can a fly-away kit be carried in a non-standard container?

Yes, a fly-away kit may be carried in a customised ULD or in a different way, as long as it contains items and tools necessary for aircraft repairs and is required by the operator to be carried on all flights.

What types of company materials are explicitly allowed to remain in the cargo compartment before loading?

Other equipment (equipment in compartment, EIC), company mail (COMAIL), and company material (COMAT) are explicitly allowed to remain in the cargo compartment before loading.

Is ballast considered an exception to the requirement that cargo compartments be empty prior to loading?

Yes, ballast is listed as an exception to the requirement that cargo compartments be empty prior to loading.

Which EASA regulation and decision is this guidance material associated with?

This guidance material is associated with point GH.OPS.415(d) and is from ED Decision 2025/007/R.

GM1 GH.OPS.415(d) Aircraft loading and unloading

Q: Under what condition can baggage, cargo, and mail remain on board during a transit flight?

In the case of transit flights, baggage, cargo, and mail loaded for the next or final destination may remain on board the aircraft.

Navigate / EASA

Ask question Discover more Add to collection

GM1 GH.OPS.415(d) Aircraft loading and unloading

ED Decision 2025/007/R

AIRCRAFT CARGO COMPARTMENTS

As stated in point GH.OPS.415(d), the aircraft cargo compartments must be empty prior to loading, with several exceptions:

(a) a fly‑away kit containing items and tools necessary for aircraft repairs, which is required by the aircraft operator to be carried on all flights (may be carried in a customised ULD or in a different way);

(b) other equipment (equipment in compartment (EIC)), company mail (COMAIL) or company material (COMAT);

(d) in the case of transit flights, for which the baggage, cargo and mail loaded for the next or final destination remain on board the aircraft.

Details

Source-Title: GM1 GH.OPS.415(d) Aircraft loading and unloading View latest amendments

Erulesid: ERULES-1963177438-23513 Compare versions

Domain: Ground Handling

Amendedby: Issue 1

Applicabilitydate: 27 March, 2028

Entryintoforcedate: 8 July, 2025

Regulatorysource: ED Decision 2025/007/R Navigate

Regulatorysubject: Part-GH.OPS

Typeofcontent: GM to DR

Origin: EASA

Category: EAR