Ground Support Equipment Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Tugs & Tractors (Baggage and Cargo), Pushback Tractors (Conventional Tractors and Tow-Bar Less Tractor), Passenger Boarding Lift & Steps, Belt Loader, Hi-Lift Loader, De/Anti Icing Vehicle, Water Service Vehicle, Lavatory Service Vehicle, Air Start Unit, and Others), By Power Source (Non-Electric GSE, Electric GSE, Hybrid GSE, Fuel Cell Vehicle, and Advanced GSE), By Ownership (New Sales, Used Sales, and Rental/Lease), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
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The global ground support equipment market size was valued at USD 9.17 billion in 2024 and is predicted to grow from USD 9.67 billion in 2025 to USD 17.44 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 8.79% during the forecast period.
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Request SampleGround Support Equipment (GSE) refers to service-providing equipment, such as towing airplanes, refueling, de-icing, cleaning, freight carts, portable water storage, fire-fighting, passenger service, emergency services, and lavatory waste tank drainage. This equipment supports the airport operations, primarily for the terminal's service area aircraft on the apron side. GSE is primarily used at airports to deliver services to aircraft between flights. It is used to support the safe operations of the aircraft after landing and before taking off at the airport. The GSE involves aircraft mobility, cargo, and passenger loading and ground power operations.
During COVID-19 pandemic period, the sharp decline in global air travel due to lockdowns and travel restrictions led to decreased demand for GSE. Airports and airlines reduced their operations, resulting in lower utilization of and delayed investments in new equipment. As the industry began to recover, there was a focus on building resilience and preparing for future disruptions. Investments in flexible, multi-functional, and more efficient GSE increased to better handle unexpected challenges.
Ground Support Equipment Market Trends
Increasing Use of Sustainable Modes to Bolster Market Growth
The aviation sector is strongly focusing on the use of greener products. Authorities globally are constantly working on implementing guidelines for eco-friendly processes and technologies. Increasing environmental awareness is anticipated to create a high demand for the integration of eco-friendly processes and technologies in Aircraft Ground Support Equipment (AGSE) for the aviation industry. For instance, in February 2024, INFORM and HiSERV announced strategic partnership to enhance efficiency in ground service equipment utilization. In collaboration with INFORM, HiSERV introduced SmartFLEET, a system utilizing on-board units to gather information and telemetry data, such as the unit's position on the apron, fill levels, operating tours, usage data, and alarm messages. This data will help optimize the efficiency of GSE assets.
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Ground Support Equipment Market Growth Factors
Increased Focus On Enhancing Operational Efficiency to Accelerate Market Growth
Airports are constantly trying to decrease turnaround time and increase their operational efficiency. The construction of underground GSE has helped reduce operational time and equipment congestion in airports. Adopting advanced GSE is a major driver of the market's growth. For instance, in October 2022, a U.S.-based safety science company launched a new standard and service for evaluating electric ground support equipment powered by lithium-ion batteries at airports.
Rising Adoption of Electric Ground Support Equipment to Drive Market Growth
Rise in demand for green, clean, and energy efficient ground support equipment technologies is a major factor propelling the growth of the market. Swissport, an aviation service company in Switzerland that provides airport ground and cargo handling services, decided to increase its fleet of electric vehicles to at least by 50%. The increased use of electric vehicles helps in reducing carbon footprint and improves the direct working environment for its workforce.
From 2016-2018, Swissport increased the number of electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) from 925 to 2,420 vehicles that includes battery-powered aircraft pushback tractors and electrical cargo lifters. These initiatives will drive the ground support equipment market growth.
Growing Cargo Transportation, Air Traffic, and Air Travel to Enable Market Growth
Increased air travel, air traffic, and cargo transportation have highly contributed to the market's growth. Additionally, airports' rising adoption of next-generation GSE adds to the market growth globally. As per reports published by the IATA, in 2023, total traffic measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs)—increased by 36.9% compared to 2022. Overall, traffic for the entire year reached 94.1% of pre-pandemic levels from 2019 on a global scale. In December 2023, total traffic rose by 25.3% compared to December 2022, coming in at 97.5% of the December 2019 level. This will ultimately lead to the market's growth.
Growing Frequency of Leasing and Renting of GSE to Supplement Market Growth
Increasing frequency of GSE renting and leasing is expected to boost the market growth in the forthcoming years. For airlines, freight forwarders, FBOs, or ground handlers, GSE leasing can offer advantages that equipment ownership cannot provide. Major airlines and operators now demand flexibility to meet changing business and financial needs, making leasing the best solution. Purchasing a ground support equipment offers ownership, however it also demands equal maintenance and upgrade as soon as a better technology is introduced in the market.
RESTRAINING FACTORS
Inadequate Airport Infrastructure to Support GSEs May Limit Market Growth
Increased use of electric or battery-operated GSEs has led to sustainable cost-cutting in airport operations. However, the absence of adequate airport infrastructure to charge and maintain the electric GSEs is expected to cause a hindrance in the regular operations of the airport. Additionally, the high cost of electrical products and limited life span of most equipment requiring continuous replacement are restraining factors for the market. Since electric GSEs are cost-effective due to low emissions and fuel wastage, the cost of procuring electric GSEs is higher, and high demand for the same can restrict the market’s progress.
Ground Support Equipment Market Segmentation Analysis
By Type Analysis
Growing Air Freight Transportation to Give Momentum to Hi-lift Loader Segment
Based on type, the market is classified into tugs & tractors (baggage and cargo), pushback tractors (conventional tractors and tow-bar less tractor), passenger boarding lifts & steps, hi-lift loaders, de/anti-icing vehicles, belt loaders, water service vehicles, lavatory service vehicles, air start unit, and others.
The hi-lift loader segment will witness the highest growth during the forecast period of 2025-2032. The growing investment in R&D to develop high-capacity lift loaders and rising cargo transportation will likely boost the segment growth.
The passenger boarding lifts & steps segment is projected to show significant growth due to the increasing number of air travelers, modernization of conventional GSEs, and rising airports across the globe.
By Power Source Analysis
Growing Support by Airlines and Governments Toward Green Initiatives to Drive Growth of Electric GSE Segment
This market is divided into non-electric, electric, hybrid, fuel cell vehicles (FCV), and advanced GSE based on power source.
The electric GSE segment is expected to grow at the highest rate from 2025-2032. The segment’s surge is due to increasing demand for low-carbon emission products and rising focus on government's green initiatives as electric-powered GSE creates less pollution and is more sustainable than old GSEs.
The non-electric segment held the largest market share in 2024. The presence of non-electric equipment, such as high lift loader vehicles, water service vehicles, belt loaders, tractors, lavatory vehicles, and others, has helped the segment’s dominance. Due to their applications, the increasing demand for these vehicles will drive the segment's growth.
The fuel cell vehicle (FCV) segment will grow significantly during the forecast period. Key original equipment manufacturers are focusing on designing and developing hydrogen fuel cells that enable airports to reduce carbon emissions to zero. Thus, many go-green campaigns are expected to propel the segment's growth.
By Ownership Analysis
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New Sales Segment Dominated Market Due to Surge Airports Modernization Efforts
By ownership, the market is segmented into new sales, used sales, and rental/lease.
The new sales segment dominated the market in 2024. Increase in air travelers, rapid expansion of aviation sector, and rising spending on airport modernization programs are projected to drive the segment's growth.
The rental/lease segment is predicted to record the highest CAGR from 2025-2032. The surge is due to the affordability of airport operations, followed by a growing demand for GSEs from small airlines.
The used sales segment is expected to showcase moderate growth owing to increased demand for refurbished equipment among airports.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
The market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world.
North America Ground Support Equipment Market Size, 2024 (USD Billion)
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North America dominated the market in 2024 and was valued at USD 2.76 billion. The growing aviation industry, rising investments in research & development of aviation GSE, and prominent presence of numerous airports and airlines boost the market growth in North America. Also, the trend of the electrification for the GSE equipment is anticipated to boost the market growth. For instance, in September 2024, ground support equipment (GSE) specialist Mallaghan has introduced its first fully electric tanker and North America's first fully electric, refrigerated, wide-body capable catering truck, at the GSE Expo 2024. The U.S. holds the largest market share among all the countries, owing to the development of sustainable aviation components is driving the growth of the market.
Asia Pacific is predicted to witness the highest growth from 2025 to 2032. The growth is due to the rising investments from emerging economies in the aviation sector, such as India and China. Additionally, growing urbanization has led to an expansion of the aviation industry. COMAC, a Chinese plane manufacturer, predicts that China will become the world's largest aviation market by 2040. The country's fleet size will reach 9,957 by 2040 and account for nearly 22% of the global passenger aircraft fleet.
Europe is projected to show significant growth due to the rising number of air travelers and increased expenditure on the aviation sector from regulatory authorities in the U.K., France, Germany, and other countries. Major market players, such as MULAG Fahrzeugwerk, Cavotec SA, TLD, Mallaghan, and others, are anticipated to drive the market during the forecast period. The rising development of the airport infrastructure in Germany is another factor that has positively influenced the demand for ground support equipment.
The market in the rest of the world will witness a remarkable growth during 2025-2032. The growth is due to a rapid expansion of the aviation sector and growth in air traffic in the Middle Eastern countries, such as the U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Turkey.
KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS
Key Players Focus On Forming Partnerships and Acquisitions to Survive in the Market
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are focusing on business expansion through contracts with airlines of different countries. For instance, in March 2023, Nexus Capital Management, a U.S.-based capital management company, acquired Aviation Ground Equipment Corp. and will integrate the company as a new entity under HDT Global. Textron’s ground support equipment market share is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period owing to new developments and heavy investments in R&D. Similarly, other companies in the market are relying on partnerships and acquisitions for long-term survival in the market.
List of Top Ground Support Equipment Companies:
- Aero Specialties Inc. (U.S.)
- Cavotec SA (Switzerland)
- ITW GSE (U.S.)
- JBT Corporation (U.S.)
- Rheinmetall AG (Germany)
- Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc. (U.S.)
- Curtis Instruments Inc. (U.S.)
- Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment (China)
- Kalmar Motor AB (Sweden)
- Mallaghan (Ireland)
- SINFONIA TECHNOLOGY CO. LTD. (Japan)
- Sojitz Aerospace Corporation (Japan)
- TLD (France)
- Tronair (U.S.)
KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:
- July 2024 - CVC DIF, the infrastructure strategy of prominent global private markets manager CVC (through its CIF III fund), has finalized an agreement to acquire HiSERV, the leading German provider of aviation ground service equipment (GSE) leasing, from AVECO Holding.
- https://www.cvc.com/media/news/2024/2024-07-25-cvc-dif-to-acquire-leading-german-aviation-ground-service-equipment-lessor-hiserv/
- June 2024 - The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced an initiative aimed at encouraging the industry to adopt Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE). This initiative acknowledges the ground handlers who are "at the forefront of modernizing their vehicle fleets" through the IATA Enhanced GSE Recognition Programme.
- May 2024 – Dnata, a prominent global air and travel services provider, secured major agreements with top manufacturers, establishing five-year global framework contracts for new Ground Support Equipment (GSE) at the Dubai Airport Show. These contracts are valued at over USD 210 million throughout their duration.
- April 2024 – Mallaghan, a leading manufacturer of airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE), unveiled the SkyBelt, a state-of-the-art conventional belt loader. The Mallaghan SkyBelt, to be manufactured at Mallaghan's facilities in Dungannon, Northern Ireland, and Atlanta, GA, is a groundbreaking aircraft baggage loader that marks a significant advancement in GSE innovation.
- March 2023 – Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), in collaboration with PT GMF AeroAsia, launched two environmentally friendly Ground Support Equipment (GSE) products: Electric Vehicle RC Pushback Tug and Material Handling Car.
REPORT COVERAGE
The report provides detailed information on the market and focuses on aspects, such as service types, infrastructure types, and key players. In addition, it provides insights into the airport ground & cargo handling service trends, competitive environment, market competition, product prices, and market conditions, while focusing on key industry developments. In addition to the above factors, it contains several factors that have contributed to the growth of the global market in recent years.
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Report Scope & Segmentation
ATTRIBUTE | DETAILS |
Study Period | 2019-2032 |
Base Year | 2024 |
Estimated Year | 2025 |
Forecast Period | 2025-2032 |
Historical Period | 2019-2023 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 8.79% from 2025-2032 |
Unit | Value (USD Billion) |
Segmentation
| By Type
|
By Power Source
| |
By Ownership
| |
By Region
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Fortune Business Insights states that the global market size was valued at USD 9.17 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.44 billion by 2032.
Registering a CAGR of 8.79%, the market will exhibit rapid growth during the forecast period of 2025-2032.
The hi-lift loader segment will have the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.
Rheinmetall AG, Aero Specialties Inc., Cavotec SA, and Curtis Instruments Inc. are the leading players in the global market.
North America dominated the market in terms of share in 2024.
The U.S. dominated the market in 2024.
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