Ground Support Equipment Market Size and Outlook 2031

Report Description

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 9.44 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	5.92%
Fastest Growing Segment	Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 13.33 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Ground Support Equipment Market will grow from USD 9.44 Billion in 2025 to USD 13.33 Billion by 2031 at a 5.92% CAGR. Ground Support Equipment (GSE) refers to the specialized support apparatus found at airports, primarily on the apron, used to service aircraft between flights. This category encompasses machinery such as aircraft tugs, ground power units, and baggage loaders which are essential for ensuring mobility, power supply, and cargo handling. The market is fundamentally driven by the extensive modernization of global airport infrastructure and the operational imperative to minimize aircraft turnaround times. Additionally, the sustained recovery in flight frequencies necessitates robust ground handling capabilities to ensure schedule integrity and operational efficiency.

This demand is substantiated by the rising volume of flight operations requiring ground servicing. According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, in 2024, global aircraft movements were estimated at 100 million, representing a 4.3% increase over the previous year. Despite this growth, the market faces a significant impediment regarding the substantial capital investment required for transitioning to electric equipment. This financial barrier, coupled with the necessity for extensive charging infrastructure upgrades, continues to pose a major challenge to rapid market expansion.

Key Market Drivers

The surge in global air passenger and cargo traffic serves as the primary engine for the ground support equipment market, necessitating expanded fleet capabilities to handle increased flight frequencies. As airlines intensify schedules to meet traveler demand, ground handling operations require higher quantities of reliable machinery, such as pushback tugs and cargo loaders, to maintain schedule adherence. This operational pressure forces airports and handlers to scale their equipment inventories rapidly to prevent bottlenecks on the apron. This demand trend is evidenced by recent industry statistics regarding traffic recovery. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), January 2025, total full-year revenue passenger kilometers (RPKs) rose by 10.4% in 2024 compared to the previous year, creating an immediate requirement for additional ground support assets to service the elevated volume of aircraft movements.

Simultaneously, the accelerated transition to electric and hybrid ground support fleets is reshaping procurement strategies, driven by stringent environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. Stakeholders are aggressively replacing diesel-powered legacy units with zero-emission alternatives to reduce carbon footprints and lower operational fuel costs. This shift is highlighted by major operational updates; according to Menzies Aviation, May 2025, in the 'Annual Review & Sustainability Report 2024', the company integrated over 850 new electric ground support equipment units into its global fleet during the fiscal year. Such modernization initiatives are attracting substantial capital flows across the industry, further cementing the electric segment's dominance. For instance, according to Swissport International AG, in 2025, the organization announced a committed investment of €1.5 billion over five years to electrify its ground handling infrastructure, signaling a decisive industry-wide pivot toward sustainable technologies.

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Key Market Challenges

The substantial capital investment required for transitioning to electric equipment constitutes a severe impediment to the growth of the Global Ground Support Equipment Market. Ground handling operators and airports face high upfront costs not only for purchasing advanced electric units, which are priced significantly higher than traditional diesel models, but also for establishing the necessary supporting ecosystem. This financial burden forces many organizations, particularly those operating on tight margins, to delay fleet renewal programs. Consequently, these stakeholders often choose to extend the lifecycle of aging machinery rather than committing to the heavy immediate liquidity needed for electrification, which directly restricts the volume of new equipment orders and dampens market expansion.

Furthermore, the cost of upgrading physical infrastructure to accommodate these modern fleets presents a secondary layer of financial difficulty. The installation of widespread charging stations and the reinforcement of electrical grids on aprons require funding that competes with other critical airport development projects. According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, in 2025, an estimated $2.4 trillion in total capital investment is needed by 2040 to address long-term global airport infrastructure requirements. This massive capital demand creates a fiscally constrained environment where funds are stretched thin, often resulting in the postponement of ground support equipment procurement and necessary modernization initiatives.

Key Market Trends

The integration of autonomous and remotely operated vehicles is rapidly evolving from experimental trials to commercial deployment, fundamentally altering ground handling operations. Airports and handlers are increasingly deploying driverless baggage tractors and dollies to mitigate severe labor shortages and enhance apron safety by reducing human error. This shift is characterized by the implementation of sophisticated navigation systems that allow equipment to operate independently in complex airside environments, moving beyond simple automation to fully intelligent robotic workflows. The commercial viability of this technology is gaining strong traction; according to Aurrigo International plc, May 2025, in the 'Annual Report 2024', the company's Autonomous division delivered revenues of £2.9 million, marking a 433% increase from the prior year as airports accelerated the adoption of these smart aviation solutions.

Simultaneously, the widespread adoption of telematics and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies is revolutionizing fleet management strategies. Operators are prioritizing digital connectivity to capture real-time data on equipment location, battery health, and utilization rates, enabling a shift from reactive repairs to predictive maintenance models. This digital transformation allows stakeholders to optimize asset allocation and reduce downtime by identifying potential mechanical failures before they occur. The scale of this technological investment is significant; according to SITA, February 2025, in the 'Air Transport IT Insights 2024' report, global airport IT spending reached an estimated $8.9 billion in 2024, with a primary focus on upgrading infrastructure to support data-driven operations and intelligent asset management.

Segmental Insights

The Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment segment is currently identified as the fastest-growing category within the Global Ground Support Equipment Market, driven by the urgent need for cost-efficient and scalable operational assets. As aviation infrastructure expands globally, particularly in emerging economies, the demand for essential logistics tools such as baggage carts, dollies, and chocks has surged. These units require significantly lower capital investment and maintenance compared to powered alternatives, making them indispensable for airports managing rising cargo and passenger volumes. Consequently, operators are prioritizing this segment to ensure compliance with operational efficiency standards while minimizing overhead costs.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global Ground Support Equipment market, driven largely by its extensive network of commercial airports and high flight frequencies. The region’s leadership is reinforced by a strong shift toward electric ground support units to align with rigorous environmental mandates. Organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency enforce strict emission standards, compelling aviation stakeholders to replace legacy diesel machinery with cleaner electric alternatives. Furthermore, continuous capital allocation toward airport modernization and fleet upgrades ensures the region remains the primary contributor to overall market development.

Recent Developments

In October 2025, ITW GSE showcased its latest ground power and air solutions at the Inter Airport Europe exhibition in Munich, Germany. The company presented the ITW GSE 3500 Mobile PCA, a towable pre-conditioned air unit designed for flexible deployment at airport gates and remote stands without requiring fixed installation. Alongside this mobile solution, the manufacturer displayed a new DC Charger intended to support the rapid charging of electric ground support equipment. These innovations were marketed as part of the company's "EcoGate" concept, which aims to optimize power management and infrastructure efficiency for airport operators.
In May 2025, Dnata announced a major investment plan to integrate 800 new ground support equipment units into its global operations throughout the year. The Dubai-based air services provider stated that the rollout, valued at US$110 million, was part of a broader strategy to enhance environmental efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of its ground handling activities. The new fleet was set to be deployed across ten countries, including the United States, Brazil, and Singapore. The company noted that this equipment was secured through global framework contracts with various manufacturers to phase out diesel-powered machinery in favor of electric and hybrid alternatives.
In September 2024, Mallaghan introduced several new electric ground support vehicles at the GSE Expo Europe held in Lisbon, Portugal. The manufacturer launched a fully electric lavatory and water service vehicle, alongside the eCT6000, which was described as the first fully electric refrigerated catering truck built on a North American chassis. These products were developed to support the aviation industry’s transition towards zero-emission ground operations. The company also highlighted the European release of its updated SkyBelt conveyor belt loader, emphasizing its commitment to expanding its portfolio of sustainable airport ground support equipment.
In January 2024, Aurrigo International commenced the deployment of its autonomous aviation vehicle, the Auto-DollyTug, at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in the United States. This initiative was undertaken in collaboration with International Airlines Group to trial the electric, autonomous baggage tractor in a live airport environment. The vehicle, designed to combine the utility of a baggage tractor with the carrying capability of a dolly, aimed to enhance operational efficiency and address staffing shortages. This project marked the company's first aviation operation in the U.S. market, following successful trials in Europe and Asia.

Key Market Players

JBT Corporation
Tronair Inc.
Curtis Instruments, Inc.
Aero Specialties Inc.
Aeroservices Ltd.
Cavotec SA
Jalux Inc.
Alvest Group
Kalmar Motor AB

By Type	By Power Source	By Application	By Region
Powered Ground Support Equipment and Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment	Electric Non-Electric and Hybrid	Aircraft Handling Passenger Handling and Cargo Handling	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

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

Ground Support Equipment Market , By Type:

Powered Ground Support Equipment and Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment

Ground Support Equipment Market , By Power Source:

Electric
Non-Electric and Hybrid

Ground Support Equipment Market , By Application:

Aircraft Handling
Passenger Handling and Cargo Handling

Ground Support Equipment 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

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Ground Support Equipment Market .

Available Customizations:

Global Ground Support Equipment Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

Global Ground Support Equipment Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition

1.2. Scope of the Market

1.2.1. Markets Covered

1.2.2. Years Considered for Study

1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study

2.2. Baseline Methodology

2.3. Key Industry Partners

2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources

2.5. Forecasting Methodology

2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation

2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market

3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations

3.3. Overview of Key Market Players

3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries

3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1. By Value

5.2. Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1. By Type (Powered Ground Support Equipment and Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment)

5.2.2. By Power Source (Electric, Non-Electric and Hybrid)

5.2.3. By Application (Aircraft Handling, Passenger Handling and Cargo Handling)

5.2.4. By Region

5.2.5. By Company (2025)

5.3. Market Map

6. North America Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1. By Value

6.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1. By Type

6.2.2. By Power Source

6.2.3. By Application

6.2.4. By Country

6.3. North America: Country Analysis

6.3.1. United States Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.1.1.1. By Value

6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.1.2.1. By Type

6.3.1.2.2. By Power Source

6.3.1.2.3. By Application

6.3.2. Canada Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.2.1.1. By Value

6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.2.2.1. By Type

6.3.2.2.2. By Power Source

6.3.2.2.3. By Application

6.3.3. Mexico Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

6.3.3.1.1. By Value

6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

6.3.3.2.1. By Type

6.3.3.2.2. By Power Source

6.3.3.2.3. By Application

7. Europe Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1. By Value

7.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1. By Type

7.2.2. By Power Source

7.2.3. By Application

7.2.4. By Country

7.3. Europe: Country Analysis

7.3.1. Germany Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.1.1.1. By Value

7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.1.2.1. By Type

7.3.1.2.2. By Power Source

7.3.1.2.3. By Application

7.3.2. France Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.2.1.1. By Value

7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.2.2.1. By Type

7.3.2.2.2. By Power Source

7.3.2.2.3. By Application

7.3.3. United Kingdom Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.3.1.1. By Value

7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.3.2.1. By Type

7.3.3.2.2. By Power Source

7.3.3.2.3. By Application

7.3.4. Italy Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.4.1.1. By Value

7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.4.2.1. By Type

7.3.4.2.2. By Power Source

7.3.4.2.3. By Application

7.3.5. Spain Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

7.3.5.1.1. By Value

7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

7.3.5.2.1. By Type

7.3.5.2.2. By Power Source

7.3.5.2.3. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1. By Value

8.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1. By Type

8.2.2. By Power Source

8.2.3. By Application

8.2.4. By Country

8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis

8.3.1. China Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.1.1.1. By Value

8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.1.2.1. By Type

8.3.1.2.2. By Power Source

8.3.1.2.3. By Application

8.3.2. India Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.2.1.1. By Value

8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.2.2.1. By Type

8.3.2.2.2. By Power Source

8.3.2.2.3. By Application

8.3.3. Japan Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.3.1.1. By Value

8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.3.2.1. By Type

8.3.3.2.2. By Power Source

8.3.3.2.3. By Application

8.3.4. South Korea Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.4.1.1. By Value

8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.4.2.1. By Type

8.3.4.2.2. By Power Source

8.3.4.2.3. By Application

8.3.5. Australia Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast

8.3.5.1.1. By Value

8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast

8.3.5.2.1. By Type

8.3.5.2.2. By Power Source

8.3.5.2.3. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1. By Value

9.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1. By Type

9.2.2. By Power Source

9.2.3. By Application

9.2.4. By Country

9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis

9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.1.1.1. By Value

9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.1.2.1. By Type

9.3.1.2.2. By Power Source

9.3.1.2.3. By Application

9.3.2. UAE Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.2.1.1. By Value

9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.2.2.1. By Type

9.3.2.2.2. By Power Source

9.3.2.2.3. By Application

9.3.3. South Africa Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

9.3.3.1.1. By Value

9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

9.3.3.2.1. By Type

9.3.3.2.2. By Power Source

9.3.3.2.3. By Application

10. South America Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.1.1. By Value

10.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.2.1. By Type

10.2.2. By Power Source

10.2.3. By Application

10.2.4. By Country

10.3. South America: Country Analysis

10.3.1. Brazil Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.1.1.1. By Value

10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.1.2.1. By Type

10.3.1.2.2. By Power Source

10.3.1.2.3. By Application

10.3.2. Colombia Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.2.1.1. By Value

10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.2.2.1. By Type

10.3.2.2.2. By Power Source

10.3.2.2.3. By Application

10.3.3. Argentina Ground Support Equipment Market Outlook

10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast

10.3.3.1.1. By Value

10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast

10.3.3.2.1. By Type

10.3.3.2.2. By Power Source

10.3.3.2.3. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers

11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends & Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)

12.2. Product Launches (If Any)

12.3. Recent Developments

13. Global Ground Support Equipment Market : SWOT Analysis

14. Porter's Five Forces Analysis

14.1. Competition in the Industry

14.2. Potential of New Entrants

14.3. Power of Suppliers

14.4. Power of Customers

14.5. Threat of Substitute Products

15. Competitive Landscape

15.1. JBT Corporation

15.1.1. Business Overview

15.1.2. Products & Services

15.1.3. Recent Developments

15.1.4. Key Personnel

15.1.5. SWOT Analysis

15.2. Tronair Inc.

15.3. Curtis Instruments, Inc.

15.4. Aero Specialties Inc.

15.5. Aeroservices Ltd.

15.6. Cavotec SA

15.7. Jalux Inc.

15.8. Alvest Group

15.9. Kalmar Motor AB

16. Strategic Recommendations

17. About Us & Disclaimer

Report Description

Table of content

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

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