Interim Report - Introduction - EASA

INTERIM REPORT – OPTIONS FOR CHANGE
EASA.2009.OP.21
4.5 Options concerning raising standards of de-icing / anti-icing
Our investigations show that, currently, the achievement and maintenance of high standards
of de-icing / anti-icing is achieved in several ways:
− Motivated by a professional attitude some service providers unilaterally adopt (and in
some cases surpass) industry best practice (commensurate with AEA
Recommendations). This approach can also be advocated on the grounds of
improved aviation safety and improved business advantage over rivals; especially
when airlines are looking for quality, reliability and flexibility in a service and not just a
good price.
− Some airlines require these high standards and ensure them by competently and
vigilantly overseeing de-icing / anti-icing service providers’ operations. This may be
enhanced where the airline works in collaboration with service providers, most notably
in training standards and syllabus and in the exchange of operational safety
information.
− When an aerodrome is involved to some extent in providing de-icing / anti-icing
services to airlines, and it considers that a professional, safe and efficient de-icing /
anti-icing service is commensurate with a professional, safe, efficient and profitable
aerodrome; then proper investment is made towards facilities, equipment and training,
and good cooperation and coordination is achieved with the airline customers and high
standards maintained.
− At locations where the climate and weather dictate that de-icing / anti-icing operations
are in frequent and regular demand, the risks appear greater and therefore the subject
is very much at the forefront of all stakeholders’ minds.
Many organisations achieve the above, but many others do not, and the reasons for this are
also multiple, including for example the following:
− For many service providers de-icing / anti-icing is only a small part of their business
(as shown by the Study) and profit margins may be larger in other ground-handling
activities – often running at a loss.
− Where service providers rely more, or totally, on their de-icing / anti-icing service
provision for profits, and where sale prices cannot be raised due to competition, this
will always produce a pressure to reduce overheads.
− Some airlines do not always consider fully the advantages of selecting those service
providers with the highest standards; and others are driven partially by cost.
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