Global Ground Support Equipment Market 2024-2031

Global Ground Support Equipment Market 2024-2031

Ground Support Equipment Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Platform (Commercial and Military), by Type (Fixed GSE and Mobile GSE), by Autonomy (Conventional/Manned GSE, Remotely Operated and Autonomous), by Power Source (Non-Electric GSE, Electric GSE and Hybrid Electric GSE), and by Ownership (Airport, Airline, Ground Support Operators and GSE Lessor), Forecast Period (2024-2031)

The ground support equipment (GSE) market is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR of 14.3% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for ground support equipment to manage the loading, unloading, and servicing of airplanes efficiently, owing to the development in aviation traffic around the globe. The market is growing owing to technological improvements in GSE, including telematics, autonomous systems, and electric and hybrid cars. Airports are looking for more economical, eco-friendly, and efficient solutions. For instance, in May 2024, The International Air Transport Association (IATA) introduced a program reinforcing the industry’s aim of increasing the use of enhanced ground support equipment (Enhanced GSE). Enhanced GSE uses anti-collision and inching technology, which improves vehicle control, and increases docking accuracy. Additionally, most enhanced GSE is electrically powered, thereby delivering sustainability gains over most non-enhanced GSE.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Adoption of Ground Support Equipment for Safety

Effective ground support operations are essential to the aviation industry's overall growth. Ground support equipment facilitates process simplification, shortens response times, and guarantees crew and passenger safety. Airports would not be able to manage the growing volume of air travel without enough GSE, which might result in delays, inefficiencies, and even safety hazards. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in December 2022, the call for a transition to enhanced GSE is detailed in a newly published IATA study which estimates that the annual cost of ground damage could double to nearly $10.0 billion by 2035 unless preventive action is taken.

Increasing Integration of Baggage and Cargo Handling Equipment

The task of loading and unloading goods and baggage onto aircraft falls to baggage and cargo handling equipment. Conveyor belts, luggage carts, freight loaders, and container dollies are instances of this. Passengers' things are ensured to arrive at their destination swiftly and safely via efficient baggage handling technology. While maintaining safety, a well-designed baggage handling system can increase capacity for handling bags, streamline operations, and enhance customer satisfaction. As automated baggage handling systems are economical, energy-efficient, and facilitate efficient baggage processing even during peak hours, they are growing increasingly prevalent in airports.

Market Segmentation

Based on the platform, the market is segmented into commercial (passenger handling, cargo handling, and aircraft handling), and military.

Based on the type, the market is segmented into fixed GSE and mobile GSE.

Based on the autonomy, the market is segmented into conventional/manned GSE, remotely operated, and autonomous.

Based on the power source, the market is segmented into non-electric GSE, electric GSE, and hybrid electric GSE.

Based on the ownership, the market is segmented into airport, airline, ground support operators, and GSE lessors.

Electric GSE is Projected to Hold the Largest Segment

The electric GSE segment is expected to hold the largest share of the market. The primary factors supporting the growth include increasing demand for eco-friendly options in airport operations is rising as a result of increased regulations designed to reduce emissions and noise pollution as well as growing environmental concerns. In line with sustainability objectives, electric GSE that runs on batteries or alternative energy sources like hydrogen fuel cells is quieter and cleaner than conventional diesel-powered machinery. For instance, Oshkosh Aerotech LLC offers Oshkosh AeroTech Electric GSE, Oshkosh AeroTech’s electric ground support equipment comes in many sizes and configurations, with a range of capabilities. Several families of ground support equipment are available in all-electric variants.

Commercial Segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The commercial segment is expected to hold a considerable share of the market. Airports mostly use GSE to provide aircraft with services in between flights. The primary purpose of ground support equipment is to ensure that aircraft operate safely both during landing and takeoff at the airport. Ground power operation, cargo, and passenger loading are all included in the GSE. Ground power requirements, deicing, pushing or pulling aircraft, water servicing, baggage handling equipment, dollies, catering assistance, and GSE spare support are among the primary forms of commercial ground support. For instance, GS Engineering Inc. offers ground support equipment (GSE) engineering services in the aviation industry to support commercial, military, and general aviation sectors. By utilizing the latest technology and advanced engineering processes, the company optimizes performance, enhances safety, and drives cost reductions.

Regional Outlook

Global ground support equipment market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Growing Cargo Transportation and Air Traffic in Asia-Pacific

The regional growth is attributed to the increase in cargo transportation and growing air traffic. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in April 2024, Asia-Pacific airlines saw 11.9% year-on-year demand growth for air cargo in February. Capacity increased by 23.1% year-on-year as belly capacity came online with a recovery in the passenger business.

According to the Airports Council International (ACI), in November 2023, among the fastest-growing global markets, five are in Asia (Indonesia, India, Vietnam, the Philippines and China).The greatest potential of Asia-Pacific is the fact that the region is predicted to host 45.0% of global traffic in 2041. The total will mean that passenger numbers in the Asia-Pacific region reached 51.4% in 2019 and 3.4 billion passengers in 2022.

North America Holds Major Market Share

North America holds a significant share owing to numerous prominent ground support equipment companies and providers such as Charlatte America, Eagle Tugs, Oshkosh Aerotech LLC, TLD GROUP, and Tug Technologies Corp., in the region. The regional growth is mainly attributed to the increasing demand for GSE to support ground-handling activities owing to the size and scope of the aviation industry in North America. With millions of travelers and tons of goods handled each year, North America has significant levels of both passenger and freight transportation. Strong ground support infrastructure, including a broad range of GSE, is required to provide effective aircraft turnaround times, baggage handling, and cargo operations owing to the significant volume of air traffic. The aviation industry is rapidly adopting electric equipment to replace diesel-powered GSE to meet the demands of the local community and the environment. This will reduce the negative effects of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as harmful air pollutants and noise nuisances for communities near airports. For instance, in October 2023, Universal Hydrogen collaborated with JBT AeroTech and unveiled a plan to bring hydrogen power to airport ground support equipment. The H2AmpCartTM is a hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile battery charger for existing electrified airport GSE.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the ground support equipment market include Cavotec SA, Honeywell International Inc., Oshkosh Aerotech LLC, Textron Inc., and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd., among others. The market players are increasingly focusing on business expansion and product development by applying strategies such as collaborations, mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market.

Recent Development

In April 2024, Noida International Airport entered a collaboration with Bird Group to provide ground-handling resources and services at the airport. This strategic partnership ensures efficient and seamless ground-handling activities at the airport, enhancing the overall passenger experience.

In October 2022, UL Solutions, introduced a new service evaluating lithium-ion battery-powered aviation ground support equipment to meet UL 5840:2022, the Standard for electrical systems of battery-powered aviation ground support equipment. UL 5840 provides clearly defined safety requirements that specifically address the risk of fire, electric shock, and explosion hazards associated with the lithium-ion battery-powered airport ground support equipment (GSE).