Ground Support Equipment Market Size - By Equipment, By Type (Fixed, Mobile), By Power Source (Diesel, Electric, Hybrid), By Application, Global Forecast, 2023 - 2032

Ground Support Equipment Market Size

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Market size was valued at over USD 5.9 billion in 2022 and is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5% driven by increasing passenger & cargo traffic.

As more people & goods are transported by air, the aviation industry will need an expanded fleet of aircraft as well as a larger assortment of GSE for various ground operations. These operations include aircraft servicing, passenger boarding, baggage handling, and maintenance. Airlines and cargo companies frequently update & expand their fleets; this requires additional GSE to handle the increasing number of aircraft.

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Ground Support Equipment (GSE) refer to the specialized machinery & tools used at airports and aviation facilities for the servicing, maintenance, and support of aircraft during ground operations such as passenger boarding, cargo handling, maintenance, and ground power supply.

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GSE can be capital-intensive, making it challenging for airlines and airports with tight budgets to invest in new equipment. The purchase prices of specialized equipment, such as aircraft tugs, passenger boarding bridges, and deicing units, can be substantial. The high costs can be a deterrent for operators, especially smaller ones or those operating on tight budgets. It may lead to the continued use of older equipment, which may be less efficient or not environment friendly.

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the ground support equipment market in several ways. Supply chain disruptions including delays in the delivery of critical components hindered manufacturing & maintenance operations. Lockdowns and restrictions affected workforce availability, slowing down production & maintenance activities. Budget constraints and the reallocation of funds to the pandemic response efforts also impacted defense budgets, potentially reducing investments in new GSE.

Ground Support Equipment Market Trends

The industry is experiencing notable trends owing to the advancements in the aviation and aerospace industries. With a focus on environmental sustainability, there is a growing demand for electric & hybrid GSE to reduce emissions and operational costs. Digitalization and IoT integration are enhancing GSE maintenance & monitoring. The industry is witnessing the increased demand for autonomous & remote-controlled equipment to enhance safety and reduce labor costs. The industry growth is being driven by the expansion in airports and airline fleets worldwide, which is propelling the demand for modern GSE to handle increased passenger & cargo volumes.

Ground Support Equipment Market Analysis

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Based on type, the ground support equipment market is segmented in fixed and mobile. The mobile segment is estimated to register a CAGR of over 5% by 2032. The mobile Ground Support Equipment (GSE) are experiencing significant growth due to their inherent versatility and efficiency. Mobile GSE, such as towable baggage carts, aircraft tugs, and fuel trucks, offer the advantage of flexibility, allowing them to service multiple aircraft and perform various tasks across the airport apron. This adaptability is crucial for the efficient management of changing flight schedules and diverse aircraft types. Mobile GSE also align with the industry's focus on operational agility, especially in response to the unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Based on application, the ground support equipment market is segmented into commercial and military & defense. The commercial segment accounted for a market share of 85% in 2022. The expansion in global travel, especially in the emerging markets, is driving expansion in commercial aviation. This development is necessitating the procurement of more advanced & efficient Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to support larger fleets and passenger volumes. Airlines are focused on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing turnaround times. The heightened concerns about environmental sustainability are compelling airlines to adopt electric & eco-friendly GSE options; this trend is becoming rapidly prevalent in the commercial segment.

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North America is experiencing evolution in the ground support equipment market owing to the presence of a robust aviation industry, which includes major airlines and airports, as well as its continued investments in the upgrading & expansion of fleets and infrastructure solutions and held a market share of over 30% in 2022. The stringent environmental regulations are also propelling the adoption of cleaner & more sustainable GSE technologies. Moreover, North America has a thriving manufacturing sector, which contributes to the development & production of cutting-edge GSE solutions. The U.S., with its extensive network of airports & airlines, is a key factor driving the demand for modern GSE technologies. In 2022, American Airlines announced an investment of USD 200 million in new GSE including electric tow tractors and pushback tugs.

Ground Support Equipment Market Share

The major players operating in the ground support equipment market are

• Aero Specialities Inc.
• Air+MAK Industries Inc.
• ATEC Inc
• Cavotec SA
• Curtis Instrument Inc.
• Enersys
• Gate GSE
• ITW GSE
• JBT Corporation
• Rheinmetall AG
• Sinfonia Technology Co. Ltd.
• Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc.
• Tronair Inc.
• Unitron, LP
• Weihan Gungtai Airport Equipment

Ground Support Equipment Industry News

• In March 2022, Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. entered into a collaboration initiative with General Motors (GM) and Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS) to electrify its diverse product line. This technology, designed especially for ground support operations, enabled Textron to broaden its electric product offerings across brands, such as TUG, Premier, Douglas, and Safeaero, as well as elevate electrification across the entire industry.

The ground support equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD billion) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments

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By equipment 2018 - 2032

• Tugs and tow tractors
• Loaders & conveyors
• Passenger boarding bridges
• Ground Power Units (GPUs)
• Air Start Units (ASUs)
• Air Conditioning Units (ACUs)
• Deicers
• Others

By type, 2018 – 2032

• Fixed
• Mobile

By power source, 2018 – 2032

• Diesel
• Electric
• Hybrid

By application, 2018 – 2032

• Commercial
  • Airports
  • Passenger services
  • Cargo handling
• Military & defense

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Africa
  • Rest of MEA