AOG support worldwide: handling, permits and crew logistics

What AOG support worldwide means at LFS

Aircraft on ground support is usually thought of as engineering: diagnosing a fault and fitting a part. That work belongs to your maintenance provider. Around it is a second job that is just as urgent: keeping the aircraft safely parked, getting engineers and parts to the airport, looking after the crew and passengers, and planning how the aircraft leaves once it is fixed. That second job is what LFS does.

Our duty desk has supported operators since 2012. It works the AOG as a trip in its own right, with a named dispatcher who keeps the operator, the maintenance provider, the handler and the crew working from the same plan.

AOG ground handling for a grounded aircraft

An aircraft that was due to turn around in an hour may now stay for days. The handler needs to know. The desk arranges suitable parking, ground power and security of the aircraft with the local handler, and agrees how engineers will reach the aircraft airside. At LFS-operated stations this is handled by our own IS-BAH certified ground handling teams; elsewhere we work through vetted partners.

Incoming parts usually need customs clearance and airside delivery. The desk coordinates the handler, the customs broker where needed and the parts supplier's courier so the shipment is not left waiting in a warehouse. See ground handling for how LFS runs the ramp.

AOG parts flight permits and rescue aircraft

Sometimes parts or engineers have to come by air on a dedicated flight, or a replacement aircraft is sent to carry the passengers on. Each of those flights may need landing and overflight permits, handling and fuel at short notice. The LFS permits desk files them alongside the main recovery plan, using our direct relationships with civil aviation authorities. Requirements vary by country and change, so the desk confirms them for each request.

Once the aircraft is repaired, it may need a ferry flight or a special flight permission, depending on its status and the country. The desk prepares that departure with your maintenance provider. Read more on our permits page.

Emergency aircraft support for crew and passengers

Crew

A grounded aircraft often means a crew out of duty time in a city they did not plan to stay in. The desk books hotels and transport, checks entry or visa requirements where they apply and plans rest so the crew is legal when the aircraft is ready. See crew logistics.

Passengers

If passengers cannot wait, the desk works with the operator or broker on onward options, from a replacement aircraft to ground transport and hotels, and keeps them informed through the operator.

The first hours of an AOG: what the desk does

The first hours after an aircraft goes AOG decide how long the whole event lasts. The desk works through a fixed order so that nothing is missed while the engineering assessment is still under way.

Secure the aircraft and the people

Confirm parking and how long the aircraft can stay where it is. Book hotels and transport for the crew, and agree with the operator what passengers need, whether that is a lounge, a hotel or onward travel.

Open the channels

Put the operator's maintenance provider in contact with the local handler, confirm airside access for engineers and check what customs will need for any incoming parts. Share one contact list so everyone knows who to call.

Prepare the options

While the fault is being diagnosed, the desk prepares the likely next steps: permits and handling for a parts flight, a replacement aircraft, or a ferry flight once the aircraft is released. When the operator decides, the preparation is already done.

Throughout, the named dispatcher sends regular written status updates to the operator, so the flight department, broker or owner always knows where the recovery stands without having to ask.

Fuel and the 24/7 desk

Rescue aircraft and the repaired aircraft both need fuel, sometimes at hours when the usual supplier is closed. The desk arranges uplift through contracted Jet A-1 supply and compares available suppliers. Throughout the event, the 24/7/365 desk is the single point of contact for status updates, so nobody has to chase three companies for an answer.

Grounded at or near an LFS station? Check the coverage map, or find any airport through flight support and aircraft handling.

When the event is over, the desk sends a written summary of what was arranged: handling, permits, hotels, transport and fuel, with the supporting confirmations. That makes it easier for the operator to close the event, settle invoices and review what could be planned differently next time. The same dispatcher remains available if follow-up questions come from the handler, the hotel or the authorities after the aircraft has left. If the aircraft goes AOG again on a later trip, the history is already in the file, so the desk can move faster from the first call.

How we support your trip

1. 01

   Request

   Call or message the desk with the aircraft, airport and situation. A named dispatcher takes ownership straight away.

2. 02

   Plan

   The dispatcher builds a recovery plan with you and your maintenance provider: who travels, what arrives, and when.

3. 03

   Permits

   Permits are filed for the parts flight, the rescue aircraft or the ferry flight once the aircraft is released.

4. 04

   Handling

   Parking, ground power, access for engineers and customs clearance for incoming parts are coordinated with the handler.

5. 05

   Fuel

   Fuel is arranged for rescue aircraft and for the repaired aircraft's departure.

6. 06

   Wheels-up

   Crew are rested, documents are in place and the aircraft departs with a confirmed plan.

Frequently asked questions