From the time the very first aircraft took flight in India, till today, when Jumbos and Dreamliners rule the sky, Air India's Ground Handling Department always existed, albeit under different names. What started off as a section for Ground Handling under Air India Engineering, grew into a department called Ground Services Department with the induction B747 "jumbo” aircraft.

With a view to bring in focus on the core Ground Handling services, the Passenger, Cargo and Ramp Handling activities have been brought together to form the Ground Handling subsidiary AI APS. With an experienced workforce of over four decades, sophisticated GSE, and Air India’s expertise of over 75 years in Aviation business, Air India Airport Services has endeavored to provide excellent Ground Handling services at all times.

AI APS was incorporated in 2003 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Air India Limited for providing manpower for the various departments of Air India, including Ground Handling. Consequent to the Cabinet approval, AI APS has been operationalised with effect from 1 February 2013 as a Ground Handling Company.