Airport Ground Vehicles Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Refuelers, Tugs and Tractors, Passenger Buses, De-Icing Vehicles, Ground Power Units, Others), By Propulsion (Electric, Non-Electric, Hybrid), By Application (Commercial, Military and Defense), By Region & Competition, 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 9.15 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	6.22%
Fastest Growing Segment	Electric
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 13.14 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market will grow from USD 9.15 Billion in 2025 to USD 13.14 Billion by 2031 at a 6.22% CAGR. The Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market comprises a specialized fleet of equipment such as aircraft tractors, passenger buses, and cargo loaders designed to facilitate essential ground handling operations. The primary driver supporting this market is the rapid escalation in air travel demand which necessitates efficient turnaround times to optimize airport capacity and scheduling. According to Airports Council International, in 2024, global passenger traffic reached approximately 9.5 billion travelers, creating a substantial requirement for robust ground support infrastructure to manage the intensified operational tempo.

However, a significant challenge impeding market expansion is the high capital expenditure associated with the transition toward sustainable technologies. Stakeholders often face financial difficulties regarding the substantial upfront costs required for procuring electric ground support equipment and installing the necessary charging infrastructure, which limits the ability of operators to retire aging diesel fleets and modernize their assets at the desired pace.

Key Market Drivers

The accelerated transition to electric and sustainable ground support equipment is fundamentally reshaping procurement strategies as stakeholders align with net-zero mandates. Stringent emission regulations are compelling operators to replace aging diesel fleets with electric alternatives that offer lower operational costs and enhanced compliance. This industry-wide shift is exemplified by aggressive fleet modernization commitments from leading ground handlers who are heavily investing in charging infrastructure and green assets. According to Swissport International, September 2024, in the 'Swissport accelerates shift to electric vehicles' announcement, the company introduced a policy requiring that from January 2025, new vehicles in numerous categories must be electric, aiming to reach a 55% electric fleet share by 2032.

Simultaneously, the expansion and modernization of existing airport infrastructure serves as a primary catalyst for market growth, necessitating increased vehicle volumes to service enlarged terminals and runways. As airports upgrade facilities to handle higher flight frequencies, the demand for specialized ground vehicles for passenger and baggage movement intensifies. This development is bolstered by significant federal investments in aviation capabilities. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, August 2024, in the 'FAA Announces $636 Million in FY24 AIP Grants' press release, over $636 million was awarded to support infrastructure projects at 320 airports. Additionally, rising logistics volumes are driving equipment needs; according to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, global air cargo demand increased by 13.6% in July compared to the prior year, further stimulating the requirement for efficient ground handling assets.

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Key Market Challenges

The high capital expenditure associated with the transition toward sustainable technologies significantly impedes the growth of the Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market. Ground handling operators and airports encounter immense financial pressure when procuring electric equipment, as the cost extends beyond the purchase price of the vehicles to include expensive charging infrastructure and necessary grid modifications. This substantial upfront investment requirement forces many stakeholders to extend the service life of aging diesel fleets rather than committing to new purchases. Consequently, the market faces reduced procurement volumes and a slower turnover rate for advanced ground support units, directly limiting revenue expansion for manufacturers.

This financial bottleneck creates a marked discrepancy between the operational need for modernization and the actual rate of equipment adoption. According to the International Air Transport Association, in 2024, the sector’s struggle to fund this transition left it exposed to projected annual ground damage costs of $10 billion by 2035, highlighting how capital constraints are stalling the necessary upgrade of the global ground support fleet. This economic friction ensures that despite high demand for efficiency, the market cannot expand at its full potential.

Key Market Trends

The deployment of autonomous baggage tractors and dollies is gaining traction as a critical solution to mitigate severe labor shortages and enhance airside safety. By automating repetitive towing tasks, ground handlers can optimize baggage flows and significantly reduce the risk of human error and collision in congested apron environments. This technology enables continuous, high-precision operations independent of shift limitations, directly addressing the workforce constraints that plague modern airport logistics. According to Aurrigo International plc, May 2024, in the 'Aurrigo to introduce four new autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Changi Airport' press release, the company agreed to deploy a fleet of four Auto-DollyTug units to pilot underwing operations, demonstrating the commercial viability of driverless transport in complex live environments.

Simultaneously, the emergence of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty vehicles represents a necessary evolution for handling high-load operations where battery-electric alternatives face operational limitations. Hydrogen powertrains offer rapid refueling capabilities and sustained high-torque output, making them ideal for energy-intensive assets like wide-body aircraft pushback tugs that cannot afford the long downtime required for recharging batteries. This technology bridges the gap for decarbonizing heavy ramp equipment that demands continuous uptime to maintain flight schedules. According to Cranfield University, July 2024, in the 'Industry collaboration to launch hydrogen-fuelled ground support equipment trials at Exeter Airport' announcement, the initiative involves the trial of three distinct hydrogen-powered ground support assets, including a fuel cell baggage tractor and a hydrogen-combustion aircraft pushback tug, to validate their performance in real-world conditions.

Segmental Insights

The Electric segment is the fastest growing category within the Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market, driven significantly by stringent environmental regulations and a collective shift toward decarbonization in aviation. Bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization are establishing strict emission standards, urging airport authorities to transition away from fossil fuel dependency. Consequently, operators are increasingly adopting battery-powered units to comply with sustainability mandates while benefiting from reduced operational costs associated with fuel and maintenance. This strategic transition ensures the electric segment continues to outpace traditional internal combustion engine counterparts.

Regional Insights

North America leads the Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market due to its established aviation infrastructure and high commercial flight volume. Major hubs in the United States and Canada require extensive support fleets to manage heavy passenger and cargo throughput. This demand is reinforced by regulatory initiatives such as the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions program from the Federal Aviation Administration, which provides funding for cleaner technologies. Consequently, airports are actively replacing older equipment with electric models to comply with Environmental Protection Agency standards, ensuring sustained regional market dominance through continuous fleet modernization.

Recent Developments

• In September 2024, Textron GSE unveiled its latest electric ground support solutions, including the Safeaero 220E de-icer, at the GSE Expo Europe in Lisbon. The new de-icing unit was designed to provide the same operational efficiency as traditional models but with a zero-emission electric drivetrain to minimize the carbon footprint of winter operations. Alongside this launch, the company showcased the TUG Endurance baggage tractor, which features a high-efficiency lithium powertrain. The Vice President of Textron GSE stated that these innovations reflect the company's commitment to sustainability and its strategy to support the aviation industry's shift toward electrification.
• In August 2024, Goldhofer entered into a framework agreement with EFM GmbH to supply fourteen battery-electric aircraft tow tractors to Munich Airport. The contract focused on the delivery of the Phoenix E model, a towbarless tractor capable of handling aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 352 tons. This collaboration aimed to support the airport's goal of achieving zero-emission ground handling operations. The CEO of Goldhofer described the deal as a milestone in the company's e-mobility strategy, emphasizing that the electric tractors offer the same performance and reliability as their diesel counterparts while reducing environmental impact.
• In April 2024, Mallaghan introduced the SkyBelt, a new electric belt loader engineered to improve safety and sustainability in ground handling operations. The vehicle features a patented lifting system that enables vertical boom movement without lateral shifts, significantly reducing the risk of accidental fuselage damage. It is also equipped with advanced sensors and an auto-raise function to prevent contact with aircraft doors. The Chief Commercial Officer of Mallaghan highlighted that the fully electrified propulsion system would offer extended run times and support the aviation industry's transition toward zero-emission equipment, with units slated for deployment at major airports.
• In January 2024, Aurrigo International commenced the initial deployment of its autonomous baggage tractor, the Auto-DollyTug, at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This initiative was executed in collaboration with the International Airlines Group to evaluate the vehicle's capabilities in a live airside environment. The electric, autonomous tractor was designed to transport baggage trailers and cargo dollies, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and address staff shortages. The CEO of Aurrigo noted that this project marked the company's first aviation operation in the United States, expanding its global footprint beyond previous deployments in Europe and Asia.

Key Market Players

• JBT Corporation
• Textron Inc.
• ALVEST
• Mallaghan Group
• Vestergaard Company
• MULAG
• Tronair Inc.
• TIPS d.o.o.
• Ground Support Specialists LLC
• COBUS Industries GmbH

By Type	By Propulsion	By Application	By Region
Refuelers Tugs and Tractors Passenger Buses De-Icing Vehicles Ground Power Units Others	Electric Non-Electric Hybrid	Commercial Military and Defense	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Airport Ground Vehicles Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Airport Ground Vehicles Market , By Type:

• Refuelers
• Tugs and Tractors
• Passenger Buses
• De-Icing Vehicles
• Ground Power Units
• Others

• Airport Ground Vehicles Market , By Propulsion:

• Electric
• Non-Electric
• Hybrid

• Airport Ground Vehicles Market , By Application:

• Commercial
• Military and Defense

• Airport Ground Vehicles Market , By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE