You can enjoy a straightforward operating environment in Spain. This means there are minimal delays in customs clearance and full services available at almost all locations.
It's always best to work with your service provider and local ground handling Service Company to confirm aircraft parking and required services well in advance.
1. Provide required information for ground handling:
You need to provide required information for ground handling i.e type of aircraft, registration, and estimated time of arrival.
For international arrivals, you need to give the crew/passenger information in advance.
The full schedule is required in advance at most Spanish airports, as airport slots need to be arranged for arrivals & departures.
For this reason, a TBA schedule is not accepted in case airport slots are required.
2. Be aware of paperwork requirements:
Arrival/departure cards are required if your flight is coming from outside the area.
You need to constantly keep in touch with a ground handling Service Company for all sort of paperwork related assistance.
Private and charter commercial flights are handled similarly in Spain.
3. Understand the workflow process involved with a handling request:
It's best to provide your ground handler with at least 24-hours advance notification to set up ground handling.
However, requests with just an hour's advance notice can usually be accommodated.
Your ground handler will organize airport slots, prior permission request i.e PPR, and all service requests as required.
No specific PPR or airport slot numbers are issued in Spain. So, no specific information needs to be added to remarks section of the flight plan.
4. Operating and curfew hours need to be considered:
Parking positions are determined by the airport authority. It may be far away from the terminal.
You need to understand that aircraft parking mayn't be available at your preferred airport during busy periods or summer months.
In some cases, you will receive an airport slot that can restrict you to drop off/pick up passengers and relocate to another airport.
5. Your ground handler can arrange all services and airport fees on credit:
All sorts of services, including transportation, in-flight catering, and aircraft services, can be set up on credit by your ground handling service company.
Ground handlers have a selection of ground support equipment at many locations in Spain.
If in-flight catering menus are required, then they will be provided to the operator. Your ground handler will take care of all government fees on credit.
Ground handling charges, landing fees, and aircraft parking charges are based upon maximum takeoff weight.
Based upon passenger count Airport taxes for custom or immigration services are charged.
Estimated invoices for ground handling and all associated service charges are generated before arrival.
6. Be aware of the customs/immigration process:
Crew and passenger clear customs or immigration either at the general aviation terminal or main terminal.
Your ground handler will organize on-airport transportation as required.
When clearing in the main terminal, crew and passengers use a separate line from commercial traffic. Clearance typically takes just a few minutes.
Passengers requiring visas should have them before arriving in Spain. Crew members do not need visas, regardless of nationality.
7. Be aware of turnaround times for technical fueling stops:
For tech stops in Spain, quick turns are possible within twenty five to forty five minutes depending upon the location.
Best practice is to provide your ground handler with at least twenty four hours advance notice and confirm that the fuel truck will be on standby for arrival.
The ground handler would try to accommodate all requests if shorter notice is given.
8. Rental vehicle facilities aren't available on-airport:
In general, rental vehicle companies have offices at or close to airports throughout Spain.
However, LETO is a military airport, and there're no on-airport rental car facilities.
However your ground handler can make arrangements for rental vehicles waiting on your arrival.
Wrapping up:
Be aware of airport hours/curfews while operating to Spain. Always confirm that passengers requiring visas have them prior to arrival.
In-flight catering available from off-airport restaurants can't be delivered directly. So it's important to organize such catering arrangements with your ground handler.
About Author:
Vision Aviation Global is a fully established service provider company.
Our professional staff members offer a complete service package that meet each client's specific requirements and needs at all airports.
We provide all inclusive ground handling at airports in India through authorized ground handlers.
Martin Wynn
