Airline Contract and Invoice Management
PDC GroundCost
PDC GroundCost is a comprehensive SGHA Contract and Invoice Management solution that enables airlines to control and validate 100% of invoices related to direct operating costs. Specifically, the system helps airlines manage and verify:
- Fuel Costs
- Airport Charges
- Ground Handling Services
- Overflying Fees
- Catering
- Crew Expenses
PDC GroundCost has been developed in close collaboration with our customers. It is continually optimised to meet the challenges that airline finance and operations teams face every day. The absolute main thing is provide 100% invoice validation. From our experience, we have learned that up to 10% of invoices contain errors. Mostly because information continually needs to be updated.
By using PDC GroundCost, airlines can quickly identify discrepancies, improve invoice accuracy, and strengthen financial control.
Why Select PDC’s SGHA Contract and Invoice Management?
PDC GroundCost eliminates nearly all the manual work traditionally associated with checking and validating invoices. Through automated verification processes, the system compares invoiced amounts against contractual terms and operational data, significantly reducing the time and effort required from finance and control teams.
In addition, having instant access to all contract and cost details while on the move is invaluable when engaging with suppliers.
“GroundCost helps us avoid double invoicing costs by ensuring accurate matching and clear cost tracking. The system also supports better financial planning and transparency, especially when dealing with multiple suppliers and complex contracts..”
Sunclass Airlines
Who Uses PDC’s SGHA Invoice Control and Contract Management?
PDC GroundCost supports all departments involved in airline financial reporting, cost control, and airport contract negotiations worldwide. As a result, airlines can adopt a unified approach to managing operational expenses and supplier agreements across their entire network.
In particular, CFOs, finance managers, controllers, procurement teams, station managers, and other key stakeholders can benefit significantly from PDC GroundCost. Furthermore, the solution gives teams greater visibility into costs, contracts, and invoice accuracy, enabling them to make more informed financial decisions.
In addition, PDC GroundCost centralises contract and invoice management within a single platform, improving collaboration between departments and streamlining internal processes. Consequently, airlines can strengthen financial governance, reduce administrative effort, and identify new opportunities for cost savings throughout their operations.
Automated Ground Handling Invoice Reconciliation
The primary function of PDC GroundCost is to automatically compare expected costs—based on actual flown schedules, passenger numbers, baggage volumes, and delays—with the amounts that ground handling service providers (GSPs) invoice. By doing so, the system delivers a reliable and efficient way for airlines to validate operational charges.
Furthermore, the system automatically identifies and highlights discrepancies between expected and invoiced costs, enabling controllers to quickly detect potential errors or inconsistencies. As a result, they can review and dispute incorrect charges with greater accuracy and efficiency. Consequently, airlines strengthen financial control, reduce the risk of overpayments, and improve the overall accuracy of their invoice management processes.
Manage Ground Handling Contracts Anywhere, Anytime
As a web-based solution, PDC GroundCost gives users access to the system from anywhere—whether they work in the office, remotely, or while travelling. As a result, stakeholders can access the information they need at any time, regardless of location.
For example, contract managers and station managers can quickly retrieve relevant operational and financial data when they negotiate or renegotiate supplier agreements. Consequently, they can make more informed decisions and secure more favourable contract terms.
Furthermore, PDC hosts and continuously updates the solution, ensuring that users always work with the latest version. As a result, they automatically gain access to new features, enhancements, and system improvements without having to perform manual upgrades. In addition, PDC continuously strengthens the platform’s security, reliability, and functionality, providing a future-ready solution that adapts to the evolving needs of the airline industry.
Fast Ground Handling RFP Comparisons
With PDC GroundCost, we include a powerful feature that enables airlines to compare different supplier pricing proposals (RFPs) against their traffic programmes. As a result, procurement and contract management teams can evaluate competing offers using actual operational data rather than estimates alone.
Furthermore, this functionality helps airlines identify the most cost-effective ground handling provider at airports where multiple supplier options exist. By comparing pricing structures against projected traffic volumes and operational requirements, procurement teams can make more informed sourcing decisions.
Consequently, organisations can optimise supplier selection, strengthen their negotiating position, and achieve greater cost efficiency across their ground handling operations. In addition, the feature promotes a more data-driven approach to contract management, enabling airlines to maximise value while maintaining high service standards.
User Friendly Ground Handling Contract Management
PDC GroundCost maintains a comprehensive overview of all ground handling (SGHA) and airport charge contracts within a single, centralised platform. As a result, users can easily access, monitor, and manage contract information across their entire network.
Furthermore, the system proactively alerts users when contracts approach their renewal dates. This enables teams to review and renegotiate key agreements on time, helping airlines avoid missed deadlines and maintain favourable commercial terms.
In addition, PDC GroundCost gives users greater visibility into contract status and renewal schedules, supporting more effective contract management and long-term planning. Consequently, airlines can improve operational control, strengthen supplier relationships, and reduce the risk of contractual oversights.
How to Keep Track of Ground Handling Cost Control and Budgeting?
PDC GroundCost enables airlines to forecast budgets accurately based on planned flight schedules. By leveraging operational planning data, the system helps airlines estimate future costs with greater precision and confidence.
The solution also breaks down expenses by airport, supplier, and service type. As a result, users gain clear visibility into cost drivers across their network and can identify opportunities to optimise spending.
In addition, these detailed financial insights support contract negotiations by providing accurate, relevant operational data. Procurement and finance teams can use this information to strengthen their negotiating position, secure competitive agreements, and maintain a clear, up-to-date view of operational costs.
What is delivered with PDC GroundCost
Read about the main features and functions in PDC GroundCost.
Watch the video
PDC GroundCost is a standalone solution. Invoice data can be imported in the industry standard IS-XML format
Airline User Group Meetings
Customers of the PDC GroundCost are automatically part of the PDC Airline Community, which includes yearly user group meetings.
Accelerated ”Go-Live”
We estimate 2-3 months to deployment, contingent on your internal resources.