Ground Support Equipment (GSE) comprises a diverse range of equipment and tools used in the aviation industry to support aircraft operations on the ground. These essential tools and vehicles serve various functions, including aircraft maintenance, servicing, loading and unloading cargo, and passenger boarding. Ground Support Equipment encompasses items such as aircraft tugs, baggage loaders, ground power units, de-icing equipment, tow bars, and maintenance platforms. GSE plays a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency, safety, and smooth operation of ground activities at airports. It contributes to the timely turnaround of flights, the comfort and convenience of passengers, and the overall effectiveness of airline and airport operations. Ground Support Equipment is a critical component of the aviation infrastructure, enhancing the reliability and performance of aircraft during their time on the ground.
Ground Support Equipment Market Size and Future Growth Trend Forecast
According to WENKH’s in-depth research and analysis, the global Ground Support Equipment market size will reach 3,204 US$ million in 2025. With the continued recovery of global air transportation, the acceleration of airport expansion and construction projects has driven rising demand for ground support equipment. Airlines are actively adopting automated and electric equipment to enhance operational efficiency and service quality, further contributing to market growth, it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% to 4,723 US$ million in 2032.
Global Ground Support Equipment Market Competition Landscape
According to WENKH’s in-depth research and analysis, the global Ground Support Equipment market is highly competitive. Major manufacturers include TLD Group, JBT Corporation, Tug Technologies Corporation, Fast Global Solutions, Mallaghan, HYDRO, MULAG, Nepean, Tronair, Aero Specialties, Global Ground Support, Toyota Industries Corp, DOLL, Gate GSE, Guangtai Airports Equipment, Shenzhen TECHKING, Hangfu Airdrome Equipment, etc. The following will briefly introduce several representative companies in the Ground Support Equipment market.
TLD Group: TLD Group is a global leader in the manufacturing of airport ground support equipment (GSE), operating under France-based Tronico Group with over 60 years of industry experience. The company specializes in providing comprehensive ground handling solutions for commercial aviation, military, and cargo sectors. Its product portfolio includes aircraft tow tractors, ground power units, passenger stairs, baggage tractors, and air conditioning units, widely deployed at major airports and airlines around the world. TLD operates manufacturing and service facilities in the United States, France, China, Singapore, and other countries, ensuring timely response and efficient after-sales support. The company continues to invest heavily in electrification and intelligent technologies, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve operational efficiency. Known for its high-quality products, technical innovation, and reliable services, TLD has earned strong recognition in the global ground equipment market as a key player and technology leader.
JBT Corporation: JBT Corporation (John Bean Technologies Corporation), headquartered in Illinois, USA, is an international technology solutions provider with a strong presence in the food processing and airport ground equipment sectors. Its AeroTech division focuses on ground support and airport systems, offering a wide range of products including aircraft air conditioning units, passenger boarding bridges, cargo handling systems, refueling equipment, and deicing systems. These solutions are used by airports and airlines globally. JBT is recognized for its advanced engineering capabilities and customized systems that deliver safe, efficient, and eco-friendly performance. In addition to aviation, JBT is also a key supplier in the food processing industry, providing full-process solutions from raw material handling to final packaging. The company continues to invest in digitalization and sustainability, promoting smart equipment upgrades to drive long-term value creation and global growth.
Tug Technologies Corporation: Tug Technologies Corporation is a renowned U.S.-based manufacturer of ground support equipment, operating under the Textron Ground Support Equipment portfolio. The company focuses on providing high-performance tractors, ground power units, and baggage handling vehicles for commercial, cargo, and military aviation sectors. Tug products are known for their rugged design, mechanical reliability, and low maintenance costs, and are widely used at major airports worldwide. Tug emphasizes product diversity and customization, allowing tailored configurations to meet various operational needs and improve efficiency. In response to growing environmental demands, the company has expanded its electric and clean-energy product lines, supporting the aviation industry's shift toward carbon neutrality. As a prominent brand in the GSE market, Tug remains committed to delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective ground support solutions centered on customer needs.
Fast Global Solutions: Fast Global Solutions, formerly known as Trevor Manufacturing and FAST, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of ground support equipment and logistics handling systems, serving the aviation, postal, parcel, and warehousing sectors. The company offers a wide range of products including baggage loaders, cargo conveyors, ramp trailers, and ULD handling platforms that support efficient airport and logistics operations. Known for its modular design, robust structure, and user-friendly operation, Fast Global Solutions' equipment is used extensively in North America and internationally. The company excels in customized services, delivering tailored solutions based on clients’ workflow needs—spanning design, manufacturing, installation, and after-sales support. With rising demand for automation and green technologies, Fast Global Solutions continues to advance electrification and smart systems in its equipment, reinforcing its leadership position in ground operations and promoting sustainable industry development.
Global Ground Support Equipment Market Regional Distribution
According to WENKH’s in-depth research and analysis, the ground support equipment (GSE) market exhibits distinct regional development patterns across the globe. North America remains the dominant region, supported by a mature industrial chain and strong technological foundation. Companies such as TLD Group, JBT Corporation, Tug Technologies Corporation, Fast Global Solutions, and Tronair are headquartered in the U.S., holding significant market shares and operating extensive global networks. In Europe, the market emphasizes equipment performance, environmental standards, and regulatory compliance. Leading companies including HYDRO, MULAG, Mallaghan, DOLL, and Gate GSE are primarily based in Germany, the UK, and Ireland, driving steady upgrades through advanced, sustainable solutions.
The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth, driven by surging infrastructure development in China, India, and Southeast Asia. Chinese companies like Weihai Guangtai, Dahon Technology, and Shanghai Hangfu Airport Equipment possess strong R&D and manufacturing capabilities and are actively expanding their presence in international markets. Japan’s Toyota Industries Corp leverages its manufacturing strengths to integrate automation and new energy technologies into GSE offerings. The Middle East and Africa remain in the early stages of infrastructure development, with relatively low market penetration. Global brands such as TLD Group and Mallaghan are expanding through regional partnerships and agency networks. In Latin America, the market is at an initial development stage, with demand concentrated in key aviation hubs like Brazil and Mexico. Companies such as Global Ground Support are entering the region through project-based solutions.
Overall, global GSE leaders are accelerating their international deployment strategies. Traditional Western companies are extending their supply chains and service networks into Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America. Meanwhile, Chinese firms are stepping onto the global stage, enhancing their technical exports and brand visibility. These dynamics are fostering a more intelligent and sustainable GSE market worldwide, with complementary development stages across regions contributing to an evolving global landscape.
Analysis of Ground Support Equipment Product Type and Downstream Application
According to WENKH’s in-depth research and analysis, Ground Support Equipment are mainly divided into Power and non-power equipment. Among them, Power and non-power equipment each play distinct roles within the ground support equipment sector. Power equipment includes tractors, ground power units, and air conditioning units, which rely on engines or electric systems to perform critical tasks such as aircraft towing, power supply, and climate control. These systems are characterized by high efficiency and a strong degree of technical integration. In recent years, the transition toward electrification has accelerated, with technologies such as lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen power increasingly adopted. This shift has enhanced both environmental performance and operational efficiency, driving stronger growth momentum for power equipment.
Non-power equipment encompasses boarding stairs, baggage carts, and cargo loaders. These products feature simpler mechanical structures and serve more auxiliary functions, yet remain essential components in the overall flight support process. With longer replacement cycles and lower technological barriers, non-power equipment tends to evolve more slowly. However, it continues to dominate in terms of total volume, particularly among regional airports and small to mid-sized carriers.
Analysis shows that the two categories follow different growth trajectories. Power equipment is expanding at the fastest rate, driven by green airport initiatives and the adoption of smart technologies. Non-power equipment, on the other hand, maintains the largest share of installed base. Research indicates that over the next five years, power equipment will continue to lead in growth rate due to ongoing technological advancement and supportive policies, while non-power equipment will retain its position as the most widely used category.
From the perspective of downstream applications, Ground support equipment is widely applied across several key operational areas of aviation, including passenger services, cargo handling, and aircraft servicing, covering the full spectrum of airport ground operations. In passenger services, equipment such as boarding bridges, baggage tractors, and passenger buses ensures the smooth boarding, disembarkation, and luggage transfer processes, directly impacting service quality and operational efficiency at airports. In the cargo sector, conveyor belt loaders and container dollies play a crucial role, especially as cross-border e-commerce and global cold chain logistics continue to expand, driving the demand for automation and efficiency in cargo handling systems. Aircraft servicing involves specialized equipment like fuel trucks, de-icing vehicles, ground power units, and air conditioning units, all of which are vital for maintaining flight safety and turnaround efficiency, forming a critical part of airport and airline operations.
In terms of market share, passenger services remain the largest application segment for ground support equipment, driven by the ongoing recovery in global air travel and the need for equipment upgrades and capacity expansion. However, cargo handling has emerged as the fastest-growing application, fueled by increased global trade and a shift in air freight logistics. Emerging cargo hubs in regions such as Asia-Pacific and the Middle East are accelerating demand for cargo-related ground support equipment, signaling stronger growth potential compared to the more mature passenger services segment.
The above data is from the market analysis report "Global Ground Support Equipment Market Competitors, Segment Types and Downstream Applications Research Report 2025" released by WENKH. WENKH is a global leading consulting brand for industry segments. We provide segmented market research reports, custom research, white papers and feasibility reports for all industries, focusing on market status and forecasts, competition analysis, market prospects analysis and market positioning. WENKH uses professional data and deep insights to help companies make decisions and promote win-win cooperation.