Industry: Industrial Automation
Published Date: November-2024
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Delivery Timelines: Contact Sales
Number of Pages: 180
Report ID: PMRREP34573
The aircraft ground support equipment market is estimated to increase from US$11 Bn in 2024 to US$17.43 Bn by 2031. The market is projected to record a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2031.
Electric and hybrid GSE are projected to lead growth as airports prioritize sustainable practices to reduce emissions. Electric GSE, in particular, is set to grow notably, with demand driven by regulatory pressures and sustainability goals. The market growth is largely driven by increasing airport expansions and rising demand for efficient and eco-friendly GSE options.
Key Highlights of the Market
Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Market Size (2024E) |
US$11 Bn |
Projected Market Value (2031F) |
US$17.43 Bn |
Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2024 to 2031) |
6.8% |
Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023) |
6% |
North America led the global aircraft ground support equipment market with a substantial market share. The expanding aviation sector, increasing investments in research and development of aviation ground support equipment, and a significant presence of various airports and airlines enhance market expansion throughout North America.
U.S. airlines operated 28,000 flights to over 800 airports across roughly 80 countries, facilitating the movement of around 2.5 million passengers and transporting 28,000 tons of cargo daily.
The United States aviation sector is well established, with substantial government investment in the maintenance and expansion of airport infrastructure and the military aviation business. The country has around 19,000 airports. Consequently, the need for ground support equipment is projected to surge at these airports to upgrade their current infrastructure.
The escalating demand for electric and hybrid ground support equipment, coupled with the increasing passenger traffic, is propelling the United States. Airport authorities and ground support equipment manufacturers face significant pressure to decrease emissions. Consequently, sales of electrical equipment are poised to increase significantly in the United States.
Category |
CAGR through 2031 |
Equipment - Airport Service |
7% |
Based on equipment, the market is divided into passenger service, airport service, cargo loading, container loaders, belt loaders, and cargo transporters. Among these, the airport services segment dominates the market.
As airports expand and modernize to handle increasing passenger and cargo volumes, there is an increased demand for specialized ground support services to navigate the escalating complexity of airport operations.
Improved facilities and infrastructure require effective and dependable GSE maintenance and support to guarantee uninterrupted airport operations. Advancements in GSE technology, including automated systems and environmentally sustainable equipment, necessitate specialist services for optimal performance maintenance. The emphasis on enhancing operating efficiency and minimizing turnaround times intensifies the demand for specialized airport services.
As airports expand and encounter significant operational demands, the necessity of specialized ground support services will likely remain pivotal, facilitating the seamless and efficient management of airport operations.
Category |
Market Value Share 2024 |
Power - Electric |
40% |
Based on power, the market is classified into electric, non-electric and hybrid. Out of these segments, the electric power segment dominates the market. The global need for electric ground support equipment is rising due to its numerous advantages, including minimal idle time, decreased starts and stops, superior torque, and extended operational ranges.
The electric GSE sector is projected to experience the most significant growth from 2024 to 2031. The growth is attributed to the growing demand for low-carbon emission products and heightened emphasis on governmental green efforts, as electric-powered ground support equipment generates less pollution.
The rising demand for these vehicles will propel the segment expansion due to their applications. Prominent original equipment manufacturers concentrate on designing and developing electric GSEs that help airports achieve zero carbon emissions. Consequently, numerous eco-friendly initiatives are anticipated to drive the segment's expansion.
The aircraft ground support equipment (GSE) market encompasses various equipment and services that are essential for tasks ranging from aircraft servicing, maintenance, and passenger handling to cargo operations.
The aircraft GSE encompasses a wide range of specialized equipment such as aircraft tugs, ground power units, baggage loaders, and refueling trucks to meet the distinct needs of various aircraft types and operational requirements.
The aircraft GSE market is pivotal in ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards across airports worldwide. As air traffic continues to grow steadily, driven by increasing travel demand and expansion of air routes, the demand for advanced GSE solutions is escalating.
Technological advancements, including the integration of automation, digitalization, and sustainable practices, are shaping the evolution of this market, enhancing operational capabilities and environmental sustainability.
The aircraft ground support equipment market saw consistent growth throughout the historical period from 2019 to 2023. It was propelled by rising demand for air travel and expansion of the aviation sector.
Increasing passenger and cargo volumes were crucial drivers driving elevated demand in the business. As airports managed substantial aircraft numbers, the requirement for Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to facilitate ground operations, baggage handling, and aircraft maintenance escalated.
During the forecast period from 2024 to 2031, the industry is projected to experience a substantial CAGR of 6.8%. The introduction of novel and customized ground support equipment (GSE) trucks and apparatus is a crucial component in enhancing demand. The operation of specialized vehicles and equipment necessitates qualified workers, which might impede progress in emerging nations.
The aircraft ground support equipment market is anticipated to undergo transformations as airports and airlines allocate resources toward advanced, efficient, and technologically sophisticated apparatus. Regions with elevated air travel demand and an emphasis on aviation industry advancements are poised for swift expansion.
Growing Airport Expansion Projects Globally
The aircraft ground support equipment market is benefiting from unprecedented airport expansion and modernization projects globally. As air travel rebounds post-pandemic and passenger numbers rise, countries like China, India, and the United Arab Emirates heavily invest in new airports and expand existing ones.
The growth in airport infrastructure creates a substantial demand for advanced ground support equipment, such as electric baggage tugs, de-icing vehicles, and pushback tractors.
As more airports adopt automated and efficient GSE to enhance operational flow, the GSE market is expected to experience steady growth, particularly in the Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern regions. These developments pave the way for new product innovations in the GSE sector, meeting operational needs and environmental standards.
Surge in Cargo Transportation, Air Traffic, and Air Travel to Facilitate Growth
The expansion of air travel, air traffic, and cargo transportation has significantly fueled market growth. The increasing adoption of next-generation ground support equipment by airports contributes to global market growth.
The International Air Transport Association reports that global air freight markets had an 18.7% growth in demand for air cargo. According to IATA estimates, total air traffic in November 2023, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), increased by 45% compared to November 2022.
Worldwide, air traffic currently exceeds 75% of the levels recorded in November 2022, which indicates that an increase in air travel results in heightened air traffic, thereby fostering market expansion.
Lack of Robust Airport Infrastructure Constrains Market Expansion
The increased utilization of electric or battery-powered ground support equipment has resulted in sustainable reductions in operational costs at airports. Even so, the lack of airport infrastructure for charging and servicing electric ground support equipment is anticipated to impede the airport's routine operations.
The elevated acquisition costs of electrical items and the finite lifespan of most equipment necessitating continual replacement are constraining factors for the market.
Although electric ground support equipment (GSE) is economically advantageous and environment-friendly due to less emissions and reduced fuel wastage, the initial procurement cost is elevated, and the substantial demand for such equipment is a constraint.
Adoption of Autonomous and Smart GSE
The integration of automation and smart technologies in GSE presents another transformative opportunity. Autonomous aircraft ground support equipment, including automated towing vehicles and robotic refuelers, enhances operational efficiency by reducing turnaround times and minimizing human error.
The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) allows GSE to be connected and monitored in real-time, improving predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and safety This is especially beneficial for high-traffic airports that require seamless and efficient ground handling processes. Companies such as Cavotec are pioneering in this area by developing smart, autonomous charging solutions that streamline workflows and maximize equipment uptime.
Rising Adoption of Sustainable Methods to Enhance Market Expansion
The aviation industry is emphatically prioritizing the use of environment-friendly products. Global authorities are consistently engaged in establishing rules for environmentally sustainable procedures and technologies.
The growing environmental awareness is expected to generate significant demand for the integration of eco-friendly processes and technology in aircraft ground support equipment (AGSE) within the aviation sector. For instance, Action Construction Equipment (ACE) Ltd. entered into a deal with Waaree ESS to design, develop, and provide a 23kWh lithium battery for 3-tonne forklift applications. These are installed at Chennai airport India and powered by Waaree lithium batteries. Actions by principal market participants will drive market expansion over the projection period.
The global aircraft ground support equipment market is significantly consolidated and dominated by a few enterprises with substantial market shares. Several medium and small-scale enterprises are expected to enter the market. They are expected to leverage the flexibility of leasing their equipment to airports for ground assistance, a significant trend in emerging nations.
The business has numerous original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) concentrating on establishing global contracts and agreements with leading airlines. They endeavour to provide exceptional service to these airlines to enhance the efficiency of their operations.
Recent Industry Developments in the Aircraft Ground Support Equipment Market
Attributes |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2024 to 2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization & Pricing |
Available upon request |
By Equipment
By Power
By Ownership
By End User
By Region
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Tugs & Tractors are the most important ground support equipment.
GSE – Ground Support Equipment, a support equipment found at airports.
GSE box is used to support aircraft maintenance, servicing, and operations.
The market is estimated to be valued at US$17.43 Bn by 2031
The market is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period.