Swissport UK to Provide Central Load Planning for Virgin Atlantic

Swissport UK will provide Virgin Atlantic Airways' central load planning beginning this month for all of the airline's flights worldwide.

Although Swissport currently provides full ground handling service for Virgin Atlantic at Gatwick and Manchester Airports, this is the first time that it has provided central load planning for an entire airline.  The system uses an EDS-developed application.

Load planning involves calculating the weight and balance of an aircraft prior to each departure to ensure safety while maximizing payload opportunities.  Virgin Atlantic pilots will receive the information via ACARS (aircraft communication addressing and reporting system) and also use it to confirm the usability of a runway, set stabilizer trim and determine the takeoff thrust.

Swissport has set up a new service center, near the Manchester Airport that will have a dedicated load planning team.  05-12-2008.

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