Swissport did not ensure that the implemented training and audits for Link Airways Saab 340B dispatches incorporated all of the elements required in its Ground operations manual for pre‑departure walk-arounds.
The action taken by Swissport will help to ensure that walk-arounds are always conducted by dispatchers for Saab 340B departures. However, while the audits will check that a walk-around is conducted, in the absence of further guidance, they would not necessarily provide assurance that the different required elements are completed.
The use of guidance notes within audit tasks would provide Swissport auditors with the means to check for these elements. The ATSB will monitor Swissport’s consideration and implementation of guidance notes within audit tasks, and any other relevant safety action.
Following the occurrence, Swissport released a memo to be read and signed by all ramp staff (including dispatchers and trainers) stating that walk-arounds were required on Saab aircraft. Swissport also planned to conduct refresher training for all dispatchers on the walk-around in Swissport’s Ground operations manual. Swissport consulted with Link Airways to better define the responsibilities and expectations for dispatchers during Saab 340B operations.
Swissport advised that it transitioned to a new audit platform, and confirmed that audits under the new platform include a task to confirm that a walk-around is conducted by the dispatcher.
Swissport advised that, through its audit (assurance) department, ‘guidance notes based on items within a task for auditors’ would be considered for the new audit platform.
Swissport informed the ATSB that it will be changing its assurance platform globally, and that any changes to processes were put on hold. The new platform is expected to be available in 2025. Swissport is examining the potential to improve audit and inspection checklists in the new system.
The ATSB will continue to monitor this safety issue.
The action taken by Swissport will help to ensure that walk-arounds are always conducted by dispatchers for Saab 340B departures. However, while the audits will check that a walk-around is conducted, in the absence of further guidance, they would not necessarily provide assurance that the different required elements are completed.
The use of guidance notes within audit tasks would provide Swissport auditors with the means to check for these elements. The ATSB will monitor Swissport’s consideration and implementation of guidance notes within audit tasks, and any other relevant safety action.
Link conducted the following safety actions:
