Background

Airlines and other airport aeronautical tenants often contract with airport service providers, or third party contractors, for a variety of services that are integral to their operations, including ground handling (above and below the wing,) aircraft cabin cleaning, catering, etc. Many of these third party contractors do not have a direct contractual relationship with the airport operator, but serve one or more of the airport’s aeronautical tenants. Airport operators take varying approaches to addressing risk associated with the activities of these service providers, which can range from hands-off to complex permitting programs and everything in between. Whether the airport relies on agreements with the aeronautical tenants receiving the third-party services by issuing permits to third party contractors, imposing rules and regulations, etc., each approach poses different legal issues and potential liability.

Objective

The report will discuss the different approaches for addressing risk to the airport operator when permitting airport aeronautical tenants to contract with airport service providers, and the legal implications related to indeminifciation, insurance rquirements, operating standards, and other approaches for managing risk. While the legal implications of permitting airport aeronautical tenants to contract with airport service providers, or third-party contractors, are multifaceted, and the report will focus on the relationship between the airport service proivder and the airport operator. The report should include examples  of the different approaches used in the industry, with sample language from contracts, permits, rules & regulations, etc.

Status RFP expected in July 2026.