Ground Handling Services Global Market Report 2024

The ground handling services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $26.15 billion in 2023 to $28.17 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7%. The increase during the historical period can be linked to the expansion of air travel, the deregulation of airlines, the development of airport infrastructure, the globalization of air travel, and the implementation of security and safety regulations.

The ground handling services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $37.79 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be ascribed to a focus on environmental sustainability, shifts in airline business models, the expansion of airline fleets, the globalization of air travel, and investments in airport infrastructure. Key trends expected in the forecast period encompass digitalization and automation, the provision of personalized services, sustainability initiatives, enhanced security measures, adaptation to new airline business models, and the utilization of data analytics for predictive maintenance.

The anticipated growth of the ground handling services market is driven by the increased demand for air freight cargo. Air freight cargo involves the shipment of goods through chartered or scheduled air carriers, witnessing heightened demand due to changing consumer preferences and the growth of the E-commerce industry. The need for reliable and swift ground handling services at airports has become crucial to facilitate efficient turnaround times, reducing emissions. According to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in January 2022, global air cargo demand rose by 6.9% in 2021. Hence, the surge in air freight cargo demand is expected to propel the growth of the airport ground and cargo handling services market.

The ground handling services market is anticipated to grow with the increasing air passenger traffic. Ground handling services are essential for ensuring the smooth flow of air passenger traffic, contributing to operational excellence and passenger satisfaction. According to the International Air Transport Association, Asia-Pacific airlines experienced a 98.5% increase in traffic in August 2023 compared to the previous year. This growth in air passenger traffic drives the demand for ground handling services in the market.

Technological innovation is a prominent trend in the ground handling services market, with major players focusing on creating innovative equipment technologies, such as electric material handling equipment, to strengthen their market position. For instance, in May 2022, Linde Material Handling, a Germany-based manufacturer of forklift trucks and warehouse equipment, introduced electric heavy-duty forklift trucks with load capacities ranging from 10 to 18 tonnes. This innovative truck series, built on the eight-ton range, features double drive, double lifting hydraulics, two batteries, and scaled pumps.

Major companies are engaging in partnerships to advance product development and fortify their market positions. Collaborations in this sector promote innovation, harness complementary expertise, and expedite the creation and commercialization of advanced solutions through the consolidation of resources and capabilities. For instance, in January 2022, Synaptic Aviation, a US-based AI-technology company, joined forces with Unifi Inc., a US-based manufacturing company, to introduce a new artificial intelligence (AI) solution enhancing visibility into airport ground operations. This partnership aims to revolutionize ground operations and elevate the overall customer experience in the general aviation industry. Synaptic Aviation's AI technology monitors numerous aircraft, providing real-time critical operational data, including average turn-around time, gate usage, foreign object damage prevention walks, ground power unit connection times, and more. The rapid results produced by the AI technology offer vital data for optimizing activities and management, benefiting airlines, air cargo, and ground handling organizations.

In August 2022, Alliance Ground International (AGI), a US-based provider of airline cargo handling services, acquired Airport Terminal Services (ATS) for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition assists both companies in increasing their presence at the airport terminal and on the passenger side of the business. ATS supports AGI in maximizing customer service, streamlining operations, and enhancing value for all clients. Airport Terminal Services (ATS) is a US-based company operating in the ground handling services market.

Major companies operating in the ground handling services market report are Baltic Ground Services, Dubai National Air Transport Association, Aerospace Jet Group, Swiss Aviation Group AG, SAAB AB, Cargotec Corporation, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), JBT Corporation, Swissport International Ltd., Singapore Airport Terminal Services Limited, Beumer Group GmbH & Co. KG, TAV Havalimanları Holding A.Ş., Groundforce Handling Portugal, Aviapartner Group NV, Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd., Goldair Handling SA, Airport Terminal Services Inc., Cavotec Group SA, Mallaghan Engineering Ltd., Menzies Aviation PLC, Skyplan Services Ltd., Belau Transfer and Terminal Company, AFS Aviation Services Limited, Vision Aviation Global, AN Aviation Services Co. Ltd., AvJet International (FZE), Proground GmbH, Myanmar National Airlines, Airline Services Ltd., Jet Aviation Business Jets AG, Çelebi Havacılık Holding A.Ş., Royal Aviation, SAS Ground Handling AB.

North America was the largest region in the ground handling services market in 2023. The regions covered in the ground handling services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the ground handling services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The primary types of ground handling services include ground handling, passenger ground handling, ramp handling, and others. The range of flight and passenger services provided during an aircraft's layover at an airport falls under ground handling services. These services are applicable to both international and domestic airports and are utilized in civil and military applications.

The ground handling services market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ground handling services market statistics, including ground handling services industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a ground handling services market share, detailed ground handling services market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ground handling services industry. This ground handling services market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

The ground handling services market includes revenues earned by entities providing refueling aircraft services, towing aircraft, cleaning, marshalling and parking. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.