Ground Support Equipment Market

Global Ground Support Equipment Market:

The global ground support equipment market size reached USD 16.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 31.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.21% during 2025-2033. The escalating air travel necessitating efficient tools for aircraft servicing is propelling the market.

Ground Support Equipment Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: Extensive regulations concerning safety and environmental sustainability are positively influencing the market. Moreover, the modernization of airport facilities will continue to fuel the market in the coming years.
• Key Market Trends: The inflating popularity of low-cost carriers is catalyzing the global market. Apart from this, the escalating demand for customized solutions tailored to specific needs is further contributing to the market.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the prominent companies in the global market include Aero Specialties Inc., Aeroservices Ltd., Cavotec SA, Curtis Instruments Inc., ITW GSE, Jalux Inc., John Bean Technologies Corporation, Mallaghan, Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft, Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (Textron Inc.), TLD Group (Alvest Group), and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd., among many others.
• Geographical Trends: North America exhibits a clear dominance in the market, owing to the elevating number of airports and largest airlines.
• Challenges and Opportunities: One of the limitations hindering the market is the high initial investment costs. However, the easy availability of cost-effective leasing options is expected to fuel the market in the coming years.
   

Ground Support Equipment Market Trends:

Rising Integration of Advanced Technologies

The integration of advanced technologies, including automation, telematics, and IoT, in ground support equipment is transforming airport operations, which is acting as a significant growth-inducing factor. For example, in May 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) aimed to accelerate the introduction of enhanced ground support equipment (GSE) technologies into daily operations with a new program. Companies like Siemens and Honeywell are also pioneering these innovations, thereby providing solutions that integrate seamlessly with airport operations management systems.

Growing Focus on Sustainability

The rising emphasis on sustainability among ground support equipment manufacturers is driving the adoption of eco-friendly practices and products. Airports and airlines are further extensively prioritizing sustainable operations to minimize their environmental footprint and comply with stringent environmental regulations by government bodies. This includes the use of electric and hybrid GSE, recycling programs, and sustainable materials. Companies like Goldhofer are developing equipment with lower emissions and energy-efficient technologies. The trend also encompasses the widespread adoption of greener manufacturing processes and the reduction of hazardous substances in equipment production.

Increasing Safety Regulations

Compliance with stringent regulations is escalating the ground support equipment market demand. Airlines and airports are prioritizing ground operations to ensure the well-being of personnel and passengers and prevent accidents. This includes adopting GSE with advanced safety features, such as ergonomic designs, collision avoidance systems, enhanced visibility, etc. Regulatory bodies like the EASA in Europe and the FAA in the United States are imposing stricter standards and guidelines for GSE safety, thereby pushing manufacturers to innovate and improve their products. Companies like Mallaghan and Tronair are leading the way by integrating sophisticated safety technologies into their equipment. This trend towards heightened safety and regulatory compliance fosters a culture of continuous improvement and ensures safer airport operations.

Global Ground Support Equipment Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with the ground support equipment market forecast at the global, regional, and country levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on the type, power source, and application.

Breakup by Type:

• Powered Ground Support Equipment
• Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment
   

Powered ground support equipment currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the type. This includes powered and non-powered ground support equipment. According to the report, powered ground support equipment represented the largest market segmentation.

Powered ground support equipment (GSE) plays a vital role in airports' efficient operation by providing the necessary power and functionality to service aircraft between flights. According to ground support equipment market statistics, this category includes equipment such as aircraft tugs, ground power units (GPUs), and air conditioning units. For example, electric aircraft tugs from companies like JBT and TLD Group are designed to tow aircraft to and from gates, reducing the reliance on aircraft engines and saving fuel.

Breakup by Power Source:

• Electric
• Non-Electric
• Hybrid
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the power source. This includes electric, non-electric, and hybrid.

Electric GSE, such as electric tugs and ground power units from companies like TLD Group and ITW GSE, are gaining traction due to their environmental benefits and lower operational costs, aligning with the aviation industry's push towards sustainability. Non-electric GSE, which includes traditional diesel or gasoline-powered equipment, remains prevalent due to its robustness and widespread availability, with manufacturers like JBT and Tug Technologies continuing to dominate this segment. Hybrid GSE, which combines electric and conventional power sources, offers a balance of reduced emissions and extended operational capabilities, exemplified by hybrid aircraft tow tractors from manufacturers like Goldhofer. This is increasing the ground support equipment market revenue.

Breakup by Application:

• Aircraft Handling 
• Passenger Handling
• Cargo Handling 
   

Passenger handling accounts for the majority of the total ground support equipment market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application. This includes aircraft handling, passenger handling, and cargo handling. According to the report, passenger handling represented the largest market segmentation.

Ground support equipment (GSE) for passenger handling is essential for ensuring smooth and efficient boarding, disembarking, and overall passenger flow at airports. This category includes equipment such as passenger boarding bridges, stair units, and baggage handling systems. Passenger boarding bridges, provided by companies like JBT AeroTech and ThyssenKrupp, connect the terminal to the aircraft, facilitating safe and comfortable boarding and disembarking in various weather conditions. Mobile stair units, used when boarding bridges are unavailable, allow passengers to board and exit the aircraft efficiently and are often supplied by manufacturers like Mallaghan. Baggage handling systems, including conveyor belts and baggage carts from firms such as Siemens Logistics and Aviogei, streamline the movement and processing of luggage, enhancing the speed and accuracy of baggage delivery. This is escalating the ground support equipment market outlook.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America currently dominates the market

The ground support equipment market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America accounted for the largest market share. 

The market is thriving, driven by the region's high air traffic volume, advanced airport infrastructure, and the push for technological innovation. Major airports in the United States and Canada, such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Toronto Pearson International Airport, rely heavily on diverse GSE to maintain efficient operations. Companies like JBT AeroTech and TLD Group are key players in this market, providing a wide range of equipment, including electric aircraft tugs, ground power units, and baggage handling systems.

Competitive Landscape:

The key players in the market are actively employing a multifaceted approach to ensure continued market growth. These strategies encompass technological innovation, enhanced product offerings, collaboration with airports and airlines, and alignment with sustainability goals. Many companies are focusing on research and development to introduce state-of-the-art equipment that not only meets current requirements but anticipates future needs as well. As per ground support equipment market logistics, partnerships and collaborations with other industry stakeholders are facilitating shared growth, while acquisitions are expanding market reach and capabilities. Some firms are also focusing on providing tailored solutions to different regions, considering local regulations, climate conditions, and specific airport needs. Moreover, the shift towards environmentally friendly options is attracting customers who are keen on aligning with global sustainability goals.

The market research report has provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Detailed profiles of all major ground support equipment market companies have also been provided. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Aero Specialties Inc.
• Aeroservices Ltd.
• Cavotec SA
• Curtis Instruments Inc.
• ITW GSE
• Jalux Inc.
• John Bean Technologies Corporation
• Mallaghan
• Rheinmetall Aktiengesellschaft
• Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (Textron Inc.)
• TLD Group (Alvest Group)
• Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Ground Support Equipment Market Recent Developments:

• May 2024: dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, signed significant deals with leading manufacturers, locking in five-year global framework contracts for new ground support equipment at the Dubai Airport Show. 
• May 2024: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) aimed to accelerate the introduction of enhanced ground support equipment (GSE) technologies into daily operations with a new program.
• March 2024: OnAsset Intelligence launched the world’s first dedicated aircraft IoT gateway that delivers a multitude of benefits for shippers, logistics providers, and the airline itself.

Ground Support Equipment Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC's industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the ground support equipment market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global ground support equipment market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the ground support equipment industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.