Ground Support Equipment

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Ground Support Equipment Market is accounted for $9.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $15.02 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. The term ""ground support equipment"" (GSE) describes a variety of specialised vehicles, equipment, and tools that are used to assist aircraft operations on the ground. Tasks including aeroplane maintenance, passenger and cargo loading and unloading, fuelling, towing, de-icing, and electrical power provision all require this equipment. GSE contributes to the quick, safe, and effective turnaround of aircraft between flights. It includes automobiles such as catering trucks, fuel trucks, luggage carts, and tugs, among others.

According to Eurostat, in 2021, there was a substantial increase of 34.9% in the number of passengers traveling by air in the European Union (EU), totaling 373 million people.

Market Dynamics: 

Driver: 

Increasing aviation traffic

Airlines and airport managers invest in modern GSE to increase turnaround times and safety as the number of aircraft increases. Additionally, this expansion raises the need for machinery like luggage carts, pushback tractors, and de-icing machines. The market is also stimulated by the demand for more fuel, maintenance, and cleaning services. Furthermore, GSE technology developments like automation and electric cars meet the growing demands for sustainability. Consequently, the rise of the aviation industry propels the worldwide GSE market.

Restraint:

Limited skilled workforce

Specialised technicians are necessary for the upkeep and operation of intricate GSE equipment. Repair times and service quality may suffer due to a lack of qualified personnel. This raises safety issues and compromises the general dependability of ground operations at airports. Innovation is also slowed down by inadequate training programs that restrict the use of cutting-edge technology in GSE. As a result, this labour shortage raises operating expenses and impedes market expansion.

Opportunity:

Government and regulatory support

The demand for effective GSE is further increased by policies that support the modernisation and expansion of airport infrastructure. Furthermore, laws mandating higher fuel economy and lower emissions promote the use of environmentally friendly, energy-efficient machinery. In order to promote sustainability, governments frequently offer incentives or subsidies for the purchase of such equipment. In order to comply with regulations, businesses must also make investments in new technology, which encourages innovation. These elements work together to support the GSE industry's explosive expansion and change.

Threat:

Competitive pressure

Manufacturers are forced to constantly innovate due to this fierce competition, which raises the cost of research and development. Smaller businesses could find it difficult to keep up with the technical developments of more established firms, which would reduce their market share. Price wars may have an impact on product quality since businesses may take shortcuts to keep costs down. Fast-paced competition can also result in overstock, which lowers product value and creates a market glut. Businesses are frequently compelled to prioritise cost-cutting above long-term strategic growth in such an environment.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) market due to reduced air travel and airport operations. Many GSE manufacturers faced production delays and supply chain disruptions, leading to shortages. Airports and airlines scaled back their investment in new equipment, focusing instead on maintenance of existing fleets. However, the market saw a gradual recovery as travel demand rebounded in the post-pandemic period. The crisis also accelerated the adoption of automated and electric GSE technologies to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency.

The electric GSE segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The electric GSE segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, due to its eco-friendly nature and reduced carbon emissions. Particularly in airports with strict emissions criteria, electric GSE assists airlines and ground service providers in adhering to environmental rules. Compared to their diesel-powered equivalents, these equipment types also provide lower operating costs by using less fuel and requiring less maintenance. Electric GSE also operates more quietly, improving traveler satisfaction and lowering airport noise pollution. 

The commercial aviation segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the commercial aviation segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, due to the demand for efficient handling and servicing of aircraft. The need for sophisticated GSE, such as pushback tractors and tugs, increases as airlines grow their fleets and passenger volume increases. Additionally, the market is growing as a result of the aviation industry's alignment with sustainability goals through the use of electric and hybrid ground support equipment. The need for specialised equipment is increased by the ongoing emphasis on enhancing operational effectiveness and cutting turnaround times in commercial aviation fuels. 

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to the supports aviation operations, including equipment used for aircraft maintenance, handling, and safety. This market is driven by increasing air travel demand, airport expansions, and the modernization of fleets. North America, with its well-developed aviation infrastructure and technological advancements, plays a key role in GSE development. The market includes a variety of equipment such as tugs, conveyor belts, de-icing machines, and aircraft maintenance units. The growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly solutions also influences GSE trends, with more electric and fuel-efficient equipment being introduced.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to the rising demand for more efficient and eco-friendly airport operations. Key countries like China, India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing substantial investments in GSE to accommodate the growing aviation sector. Technological advancements in automation, electric vehicles, and AI are enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, the push for sustainability is promoting the adoption of electric GSE. The market is also influenced by regulatory developments and the increasing need for modernization in aging airport infrastructure.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Ground Support Equipment Market include JBT Corporation, TLD Group, Aero Specialties, Cavotec SA, Toyota Industries Corporation, Aviation Ground Support (AGS) Services, Doosan Corporation, Honeywell International Inc., Swissport International Ltd., MULAG (Mulag Fahrzeugwerk GmbH), GSE Rental, Green Point Technologies, Teleflex Lionel DRS, Konecranes, Alvest, AMSS (Aircraft Maintenance Support Services), Hangar Equipment Company, Sichuan Aostar Aerospace Science and Technology Co., Ltd., FMC Technologies and Menzies Aviation.

Key Developments:

In September 2024, TICO announced a strategic investment in Gideon, a technology company specializing in Autonomous Mobile Robotics (AMR) for warehouse and manufacturing environments. This partnership aims to standardize automated vehicle systems, reduce deployment times, and enhance flexibility and scalability.

In June 2024, TLD-The Land Developers entered into a strategic partnership with Prime Properties to facilitate foreign investment in Egyptian real estate. This initiative allows foreign investors to acquire Egyptian citizenship through property investments of $300,000 or more in TLD projects, enhancing Egypt's appeal as an investment destination.

In November 2023, Cavotec signed a long-term service partner agreement with Cosco Group, a major shipping company. Under this agreement, Cavotec will provide preventive maintenance for over 60 vessels equipped with its shore power systems.

Types Covered:
• Powered ground support equipment (GSE)
• Non-powered ground support equipment (GSE)          

Equipment Types Covered:
• Aircraft Handling Equipment
• Passenger Handling Equipment
• Cargo Handling Equipment
• Other Equipment Types          

Power Sources Covered:
• Electric GSE
• Non-electric GSE
• Hybrid GSE

Applications Covered:
• Commercial Aviation
• Military Aviation
• Cargo & Logistics
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:
• North America
o US
o Canada
o Mexico
• Europe
o Germany
o UK
o Italy
o France
o Spain
o Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
o Japan        
o China        
o India        
o Australia  
o New Zealand
o South Korea
o Rest of Asia Pacific    
• South America
o Argentina
o Brazil
o Chile
o Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa 
o Saudi Arabia
o UAE
o Qatar
o South Africa
o Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings: 
All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:
• Company Profiling
o Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
o SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
o Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
o Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances