Ground Support Equipment Market Growth Analysis - Forecast Trends and Outlook (2025-2034)

The global ground support equipment market size reached approximately USD 16.88 Billion in 2024. The market is further expected to grow in the forecast period of 2025-2034 at a CAGR of 6.80% to reach USD 32.59 Billion by 2034.

Ground support equipment (GSE) is defined as the type of equipment which is located at airports in the maintenance area near the terminal. These equipment refer to vehicles and machinery used at airports and aerospace facilities to service aircraft during layovers, turnarounds, and maintenance. They are also used to assist aircraft operations while they are on the ground/runway.

They are operated by qualified technicians and the ground crew to ensure that the aircraft is safe to take-off before the next flight. The major role of this equipment includes ground power operations, aircraft mobility, and cargo or passenger loading operations. They contribute significantly to maintaining flight schedules, ensuring passenger safety and comfort, and aiding in the overall operational efficiency of airlines.

Key Trends in the Market

Rising air traffic and the increasing demand for efficient cargo handling to bolster the growth of the market

The global ground support equipment market demand is being driven by a sudden increase in the number of airlines, owing to the rising number of passengers and cargo transportation across the globe. This has led to the expansion of operations at airports, which has resulted in the addition of new terminals, gates, passenger service equipment, and other infrastructure. Each airport gate requires ground support equipment to serve aircraft parked at the gate or apron, thereby augmenting the demand for GSE. Over the forecast period, the growing adoption of ground support equipment and the advancements in the aviation sector are expected to significantly contribute to the market growth.

Rising emphasis on sustainability in the aviation sector to accelerate the integration of sustainable practices and technologies

The aviation sector is increasingly prioritising the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. It is one of the major ground support equipment market trends propelling regulatory bodies worldwide to engage in formulating and implementing directives aimed at promoting eco-friendly technologies. The escalating consciousness regarding environmental impact is poised to generate substantial demand for the integration of eco-conscious processes and technologies within aircraft ground support equipment (AGSE) across the aviation sector.

Increasing demand for electrical ground support equipment (eGSE) at airports to augment the market growth

Based on power source, the electric GSE segment is expected to hold a significant share of the market in the forecast period due to petroleum price volatility and the increasing focus to reduce emissions. The adoption of eGSE at airports is being driven by the need to preserve operational efficiency and cut-down operating costs. Because of its low-end torque, frequent start or stops, idle time, and limited required ranges, GSE is particularly well-suited for electrification.

Some auxiliary loads, such as hydraulic lifts and refrigeration (catering), can be more efficiently met by electric power sources as compared to an idling diesel motor vehicle. These factors are expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the segment.

Ground Support Equipment: Market Segmentation

Global Ground Support Equipment Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034 offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Type

• Powered Ground Support Equipment
• Non-Powered Ground Support Equipment

Market Breakup by Application

• Aircraft Handling
• Passenger Handling
• Cargo Handling

Market Breakup by Power Source

• Electric
• Non-Electric
• Hybrid

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Market Analysis

Rising importance of ground support for aircraft to aid the market

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) plays a vital role in ensuring efficient and safe aircraft handling. According to ground support equipment market analysis, with increasing number air travels and rising investment from defence organisation for Airforce development, the demand for support equipment is likely to surge.

Ground power units provide electrical power to the aircraft while it's on the ground, enabling maintenance activities and systems checks without using the onboard power. For passenger aircraft, support equipment such as mobile staircases or bridges allow passengers to board and disembark from the aircraft safely.

Ground support equipment (GSE) also aid in passenger handling, making them crucial for efficient operations and thus, contributing to the ground support equipment market growth. GSE like jet bridges and mobile stairs provide safe and convenient pathways for passengers to embark and disembark from aircraft. They ensure smooth transitions between terminals and planes, accommodating different aircraft sizes and configurations.

Regional Insights

North America to provide significant growth opportunities for the market expansion

Geographically, North America accounts for a significant portion of the ground support equipment market share, owing to the increasing investments in airport projects to modernise and improve airport infrastructures in the region. Airports and ground support equipment manufacturers are under immense pressure to reduce emissions, which is expected to drive the demand for electric ground support equipment. Several North American countries have zero-emission policies, which have been influencing the manufacturers. The United States is one of the largest global manufacturers of ground support equipment. Meanwhile, the ground support equipment sector is expected to grow over the forecast period because of the increasing pressure on airlines to reduce operational time and equipment congestion at airports.

Key Players in the Market

The report presents a detailed analysis of the following key players in the global ground support equipment market, looking into their capacity, market shares, and latest developments like capacity expansions, plant turnarounds, and mergers and acquisitions:

• Aero Specialties, Inc.
• Cavotec SA
• Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc.
• Flightline Support Ltd.
• Gate GSE
• Mallaghan
• Others

The comprehensive report looks into the macro and micro aspects of the market. The report gives an in-depth insight into the market by providing a SWOT analysis as well as an analysis of Porter’s Five Forces model.