The Global Ground Support Equipment Market reached USD11,117 million in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 29,027 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 6.65% during the forecast period (2024-2028). GSE plays a crucial role in supporting aircraft operations at airports, encompassing tasks such as powering, towing, and servicing. This includes airplane pushback and hook-up, forklifts and lifts, carts, vehicles, air-conditioning tugs, belt & container loaders, and light-duty trucks. GSE also facilitates passenger handling, baggage management, and aircraft movement, as well as repairs, services, and maintenance.
Airlines often opt for full-service leasing from equipment management companies or maintain their own GSE fleet. Factors driving the ground support equipment market include high service standards, airport focus on operational efficiency, increasing air traffic and cargo demand, and the popularity of GSE leasing. Moreover, the market shows growth potential through the adoption of greener GSE, outsourcing MRO services, and the emergence of wireless technologies.
Key Market Drivers
The increasing emphasis of airports on enhancing operational efficiencyAirports are implementing significant upgrades to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce turnaround times. The introduction of subsurface GSE has expedited operations and alleviated congestion of airport equipment. To improve overall operational effectiveness, various tools are being developed. For instance, airports across South America and the Caribbean have been utilizing the Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) tool since June 2019 to enhance operational efficiency.By improving planning quality and situational awareness through real-time information exchange, Airport-CDM promotes operational predictability. Increasing operational efficiency offers the advantage of lowering operating costs and increasing profitability, making reliable ground support equipment crucial for airport officials. This drives the expansion of the market. Download FREE Sample Report @ https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=15656 Inadequate charging infrastructure remains a challenge for electric ground support equipment.The Rise in Focus of Airports on Enhancing Operational EfficiencyAirports are implementing significant upgrades to enhance operational effectiveness and reduce turnaround times. The introduction of subsurface GSE has expedited operations and alleviated congestion of airport equipment. To improve overall operational effectiveness, various tools are being developed. For instance, airports across South America and the Caribbean have been utilizing the Collaborative Decision Making (CDM) tool since June 2019 to enhance operational efficiency. By improving planning quality and increasing situational awareness through real-time information exchange, Airport-CDM promotes operational predictability. Enhancing operational efficiency offers the advantage of reducing operating costs and increasing profitability. Hence, the availability of reliable ground support equipment is crucial for airport officials, contributing to the expansion of the market.Growing Cargo Transportation, Air Traffic, and Air Travel to Enable GrowthIncreased air travel, air traffic, and cargo transportation have highly contributed to the market’s growth. Additionally, airports’ rising adoption of next-generation GSE adds to market growth globally. The International Air Transport Association data states that the global air freight markets followed the demand for air cargo increased by 18.7% in 2021 compared to 2020. As per the reports stated by the IATA, total air traffic in November 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) rose 41.3% compared to November 2021. Globally, traffic is now at more than 75% of November 2019. This implies that growth in air travel leads to air traffic, ultimately leading to the market’s growth.
Key Market Challenges
Adoption of WheelTug System WheelTug, a company established in 2005, has developed an innovative solution: in-wheel electric wheels or powered nose-wheels. This groundbreaking technology allows aircraft to maneuver on the ground without the need for tow tractors or pushback equipment vehicles. The WheelTug system is currently available for narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 variants and Airbus A321. It can be retrofitted and utilizes high torque motors powered by the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit. Equipped with multiple cameras, the system assists pilots in both forward and reverse movements. Made of lightweight titanium components, including the wheel, motor, and cameras, the entire system weighs only 300 pounds. The WheelTug system offers significant fuel cost savings, with potential savings ranging from USD 300 to USD 2,500 per flight and up to USD 6 million per aircraft annually, according to the manufacturer. This innovative system also reduces taxi time, saving approximately seven minutes during a hard time and 15 minutes during scheduled-block time. As airlines worldwide strive for increased sustainability, the WheelTug system not only provides operational benefits but also helps achieve environmental targets by reducing emissions. Over 25 airlines, including IndiGo, KLM, and Fly Dubai, have already reserved the WheelTug system for more than 2,000 aircraft. AlbaStar of Spain is the first airline to implement the WheelTug system, planning to utilize it on their Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft, with the option to extend its use to their Airbus fleet. The widespread adoption of systems like WheelTug in the aviation industry is expected to impact the demand for ground support equipmentInadequate charging infrastructure for electric ground support equipmentThe from conventional diesel ground support equipment to electric ground support equipment has led to a growing need for charging facilities at airports. However, as this is a recent trend, the availability of infrastructure for deploying electric ground support equipment remains limited. Consequently, airports must increasingly invest in the development of dedicated charging stations in parking bays, as well as at the aprons and gates. These infrastructure modifications require substantial capital investments, which can be challenging for airports, even with government funding and incentives. As a result, there is a rising demand for a large number of charging facilities at airports to accommodate baggage tractors, pushback tractors, passenger buses, forklifts, and other equipment. Multiple port chargers can handle up to 16 electric ground support equipment simultaneously, but their high cost poses challenges for airports in terms of accommodation.
Key Market Trends
Increasing adoption of greener variants of GSEAviation regulatory authorities are working on implementing improved guidelines for the development of eco-friendly processes and technologies in all facets of the industry. Increasing awareness about environmental concerns will create significant demand for eco-friendly and greener variants of GSE in the aviation sector. For example, Bahrain Airport Services Company recently announced its plans to transition to greener operations with a key focus on acquiring a new product that will be powered by solar energy or electricity to replace diesel and petrol-powered ground vehicle fleets at airports in the next five years. Several states in the US, as well as Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, have passed legislation to ban the use of diesel ground support equipment, resulting in the replacement of this equipment with electric ones, thereby fueling the demand for electric ground support equipment. For example, the Charlotte Douglas International Airport started converting its diesel ground support equipment to electric ground support equipment in 2010, which resulted in transforming 75% of the GSE deployed at this airport to battery-powered equipment. In the Netherlands, efforts are being made to replace every piece of equipment with zero-emission variants at the Schiphol Airport. This means that if equipment deployed at the airport currently runs on fossil fuels and if there is an alternative available for it, the airport will replace it. The airport has already replaced its fleet of passenger buses and baggage tractors with zero-emission alternatives. The increasing number of countries adopting this trend will lead to increased demand for electric ground support equipment.Increased Focus towards Procurement of Greener GSEA clean and sustainable environment is imperative in today’s world. Authorities are currently emphasizing the acquisition of environmentally friendly Ground Support Equipment (GSE) that adheres to stringent government emission standards. By adopting greener GSE, airports can effectively reduce their carbon footprint. Implementing measures such as utilizing power coating paint instead of liquid paint for GSE, designing equipment that can be easily folded or disassembled to optimize shipping size, promoting the use of electric vehicles, and implementing equipment recycling programs are all examples of how airports can prioritize sustainability in their GSE practices. Substantial investments in research and development are being made to achieve these objectives.
Segmental Insights
Type InsightsThe powered GSE segment is projected to be the dominant segment throughout the forecast period. Powered ground support comprises various equipment such as refuelers, ground power equipment, tugs & tractors, portable water trucks, generators, baggage conveyor/belt loader, passenger buses, catering trucks, passenger boarding stairs, air compressors, portable floodlights, air conditioners, container loaders, lavatory service vehicles, and de-icing vehicles. The market for powered GSE is driven by the adoption of energy-efficient ground support equipment. For example, Plug Power, Inc., a leading provider of reliable and clean energy products, has implemented GenFuel hydrogen infrastructure for GSE at the Memphis Airport in the United States. Hydrogen fuel cells produce only heat and water as byproducts, making them environmentally benign.Application InsightsThe aircraft handling segment is projected to dominate during the forecast period. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) used for aircraft handling includes deicers, fuel trucks, ground power units, pre-conditioned air (PCA) units, and hydrant trucks. Aircraft handling encompasses the servicing of aircraft while parked at a terminal gate, fulfilling their service requirements from arrival to departure. The increasing number of aircraft and flight frequencies worldwide is driving the market for aircraft handling. Moreover, the outsourcing of GSE among airlines and significant investments in efficient GSE are expected to fuel market growth. The prompt provision of services to reduce turnaround time contributes to the overall market expansion. Related ReportsWooden Formwork Systems Market [2028] – Report & Market SharePre-Engineered Buildings Market – [2028] Growth, Trends & Forecast Table of Content-Ground Support Equipment Market
- Research Methodology
2.1. Baseline Methodology2.2. Key Industry Partners2.3. Major Association and Secondary Sources2.4. Forecasting Methodology2.5. Data Triangulation & Validation2.6. Assumptions and Limitations
- Executive SummaryImpact of COVID-19 on Global Ground Support Equipment MarketVoice of CustomerGlobal Ground Support Equipment Market OverviewGlobal Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook
7.1. Market Size & Forecast7.1.1. By Value7.2. Market Share & Forecast7.2.1. By Type (Powered Ground Support Equipment and Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment)7.2.2. By Power Source (Electric, Non-Electric and Hybrid)7.2.3. By Application (Aircraft Handling, Passenger Handling and Cargo Handling)7.2.4. By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific)7.2.5. By Company (2022)7.3. Market Map
- North America Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook
8.1. Market Size & Forecast8.1.1. By Value8.2. Market Share & Forecast8.2.1. By Type8.2.2. By Power Source8.2.3. By Application8.2.4. By Country8.2.4.1. United States Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook8.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast8.2.4.1.1.1. By Value8.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast8.2.4.1.2.1. By Type8.2.4.1.2.2. By Power Source8.2.4.1.2.3. By Application8.2.4.2. Canada Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook8.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast8.2.4.2.1.1. By Value8.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast8.2.4.2.2.1. By Type8.2.4.2.2.2. By Power Source8.2.4.2.2.3. By Application8.2.4.3. Mexico Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook8.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast8.2.4.3.1.1. By Value8.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast8.2.4.3.2.1. By Type8.2.4.3.2.2. By Power Source8.2.4.3.2.3. By Application
- Europe Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook
9.1. Market Size & Forecast9.1.1. By Value9.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.1. By Type9.2.2. By Power Source9.2.3. By Application9.2.4. By Country9.2.4.1. Germany Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook9.2.4.1.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2.4.1.1.1. By Value9.2.4.1.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.4.1.2.1. By Type9.2.4.1.2.2. By Power Source9.2.4.1.2.3. By Application9.2.4.2. France Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook9.2.4.2.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2.4.2.1.1. By Value9.2.4.2.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.4.2.2.1. By Type9.2.4.2.2.2. By Power Source9.2.4.2.2.3. By Application9.2.4.3. United Kingdom Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook9.2.4.3.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2.4.3.1.1. By Value9.2.4.3.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.4.3.2.1. By Type9.2.4.3.2.2. By Power Source9.2.4.3.2.3. By Application9.2.4.4. Italy Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook9.2.4.4.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2.4.4.1.1. By Value 9.2.4.4.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.4.4.2.1. By Type9.2.4.4.2.2. By Power Source9.2.4.4.2.3. By Application9.2.4.5. Spain Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook9.2.4.5.1. Market Size & Forecast9.2.4.5.1.1. By Value9.2.4.5.2. Market Share & Forecast9.2.4.5.2.1. By Type9.2.4.5.2.2. By Power Source9.2.4.5.2.3. By Application