The top ten positions were tightly scored, but the one thing they all had in common was an innate understanding of customers and an appreciation of their business. They bring crew too, not just passengers.

With passenger numbers rising, Mallorcair is getting great feedback from clients who are gradually returning to its terminal at Palma airport following a Mediterranean-themed makeover.

As passengers become ever more demanding, many handlers are developing the ability to predict what clients want before they ask for it. At the very least they are learning that they need to go beyond the traditional scope of handling operations to meet the increasing complexity and number of requests per client, which could be anything from faster ground transport options to individualised allergy-aware catering.