The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) universal safety audit of the
United States recommended that FAA regulate operations on airport aprons by establishing an apron management service that meets the provisions of ICAO Annex 14, Paragraph 9.5.1. In simple terms, an “apron management service” would require ramp control and the establishment of practices and procedures that could improve safety by reducing the risk of aircraft and vehicle collisions and injury or death to persons on the apron.
However, in the United States, the airport operator does not typically control or manage air carrier apron operations. These operations usually occur on leased apron areas where the carrier or its ground handler has exclusive access and responsibility for operations. Because this area is leased, the responsibility for the safety of operations rests with the leaseholder.