Ground Handling Systems Market Report 2026

The ground handling systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $6.31 billion in 2025 to $6.86 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to increasing air travel demand post-2010, expansion of airport infrastructure globally, adoption of automated baggage handling systems, rising emphasis on passenger safety and operational efficiency, growth in low-cost carriers driving turnaround speed requirements.

The ground handling systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $9.52 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to integration of AI and robotics in ground operations, demand for eco-friendly and electric ground support equipment, expansion of airport hubs in emerging markets, growth in e-commerce driving cargo handling needs, rising investments in digital passenger processing solutions. Major trends in the forecast period include automation of baggage and cargo handling systems, ai-enabled predictive maintenance for ground support equipment, integration of iot and smart sensors for real-time operations monitoring, deployment of electric and hybrid ground handling vehicles, implementation of advanced data analytics for turnaround time optimization.

The growing air travel is expected to propel the growth of the ground handling systems market going forward. Air travel involves transportation between locations using aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters, valued for speed and efficiency, making it suitable for both domestic and international journeys. Air travel is increasing due to expanding globalization, as growing global trade and business activities drive the demand for fast, efficient cross-border transport, enhancing connectivity and economic integration worldwide. Ground handling systems deliver essential services, ensuring aircraft are prepared for flight, passengers are managed efficiently, and cargo is handled securely. These systems enable the complex logistics of air travel to function smoothly, ensuring safety, efficiency, and a positive experience for passengers. For instance, in November 2024, according to Eurostat, a Luxembourg-based statistical office of the European Union (EU), air travel in the EU reached 973 million passengers in 2023, representing a 19.3% increase compared to 2022. Therefore, the rise in air travel is driving the growth of the ground handling systems market.

Leading companies in the ground handling systems market are focusing on developing advanced ground traffic control platforms to enhance airport ground operations management. These platforms are specialized systems designed to coordinate aircraft, vehicles, and personnel on airport surfaces, employing integrated technologies to ensure safe and efficient operations while minimizing collision risks. For instance, Moonware, a US-based aviation technology firm, collaborated with Aero Charter Inc., a US-based ground handler, in March 2024 to introduce HALO. This platform utilizes real-time data to optimize resource allocation, reduce aircraft turnaround times, and improve operational efficiency. Accessible through mobile and web applications, HALO enables ground crews and operations teams to manage tasks effectively. It offers an intuitive interface for ramp agents to coordinate activities and provides a comprehensive view of flight schedules, staff management, vehicle tracking, and performance metrics through a centralized dashboard. HALO delivers insights into operational efficiency, staff performance, and resource allocation, aiding in strategic fleet and network planning.

In January 2024, LPA Group Plc, a UK-based engineering and technology company, acquired Red Box International for $1.1 million. This acquisition is aimed at bolstering LPA's connection systems segment and aligns with the company's goal of providing high-quality specialized solutions in areas such as aviation, rail, and infrastructure. The deal enhances LPA's product offerings and expands its presence in the aviation sector. Red Box International, a UK-based manufacturer, specializes in ground handling equipment, including ground power solutions.

Major companies operating in the ground handling systems market are Swissport International AG, ABM Industries Inc., Qantas Airways Limited, Munich Airport GmbH, SATS Ltd., Beumer Group, Menzies Aviation Limited, Worldwide Flight Services, Aviapartner Group, Tronair Inc., Mallaghan Engineering Ltd., TAV Technologies, Baltic Ground Services, Myanmar National Airlines Company Ltd., Aero Specialties, PrimeFlight Aviation Services Inc., Imai Aero-Equipment Mfg. Co. Ltd., Skyplan Services Limited, Aerohandling, Belau Transfer and Terminal Company, Alvest Equipment Services, AGI-CFI Holdings Inc.

North America was the largest region in the ground handling systems market in 2025, and is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the ground handling systems market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs on imported ground handling equipment such as GPUs, tugs, and baggage handling machinery have increased operational costs for service providers, particularly affecting commercial aviation segments in North America and Europe. Military and private aviation segments experience moderate impact due to lower volume procurement. Positively, tariffs are encouraging local manufacturing and supply chain development, driving investments in domestic production and reducing long-term dependence on imports.

The ground handling systems market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides ground handling systems market statistics, including ground handling systems industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a ground handling systems market share, detailed ground handling systems market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the ground handling systems industry. This ground handling systems 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.

Ground handling systems encompass the services and equipment needed to efficiently and safely turn around airplanes at airports. These systems are designed to streamline operations, reduce turnaround times, and ensure timely departures, thereby enhancing the passenger experience by ensuring smooth check-in, boarding, and luggage management.

The primary types of ground handling systems include aircraft support, baggage and cargo support, passenger support, and ramp handling. Aircraft support involves the equipment and services used to maintain and prepare aircraft for flight while they are on the ground, aiming to minimize turnaround times and ensure safety and efficiency. These components cater to various applications, including commercial, military, and private aviation.

The countries covered in the ground handling systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The ground handling systems market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as cargo handling, aircraft cleaning, pushback and towing, and ground power supply. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The ground handling systems market also includes sales of ground power units (GPUs), fueling equipment, belt loaders, airplane tugs, and towbars. Values in this market are ‘factory gate’ values, that is, the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

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.

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