GM1 Article 3(1c) Definitions

• ED Decision 2025/007/R found in: Ground Handling (GH) (2025/23 and 2025/20) (Nov 2025)

##### GM1 Article 3(1c) Definitions *ED Decision 2025/007/R* **AIRCRAFT OPERATOR PROVIDING GH SERVICES** (a) The term ‘aircraft operator’, when used in relation to self‑handling, should be understood as an aircraft operator that may or may not be part of a single air carrier business grouping unless specified otherwise. (b) A self‑handling aircraft operator providing GH services to other aircraft operators that are not part of the same single air carrier business grouping is considered to be a GH organisation as identified in paragraph 1(a) of [Article 2](#_DxCrossRefBm752106463) of [Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2025/20/oj). In such a case, the Regulation is fully applicable to such an organisation. **SINGLE AIR CARRIER BUSINESS GROUPING** (c) A **single air carrier business grouping** refers to two or more air operator certificate (AOC) holders whose PPoB is in a territory to which the EU Treaties apply. Those AOC holders may or may not facilitate the harmonisation of their management systems and operations for the purpose of applying the requirements for self‑handling in a harmonised way. The management systems and operations include policies, processes and procedures for GH, training of personnel performing GH activities, ground operations procedures, and the maintenance programme for GSE. (d) This concept is used in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20 for situations where an aircraft operator provides GH services not only to itself through self‑handling but also to other aircraft operators that are part of the same business grouping. The application of this concept serves several purposes: (1) to avoid the duplication of GH requirements; (2) to enable AOC holders performing self‑handling, including providing GH services to aircraft operators that are part of the same business grouping, to identify the competent authority to which they should submit a declaration; and (3) to enable effective and efficient oversight, including cooperative oversight.