Ground support equipment market to reach $14.2 billion by 2032

Allied Market Research says the global ground support equipment market is projected to hit $14.2 billion by 2032 as airports expand, air traffic rebounds and airlines push for greener operations. Non-electric equipment still leads today, but electric ground support gear is growing fastest as airports target lower emissions.

Why it matters: - The ground support equipment market is tied directly to airport throughput, airline turnaround times and cargo movement. - Growth in non-electric and electric fleets will shape procurement decisions as airports balance reliability, infrastructure limits and emissions goals. - The market outlook signals opportunity across manufacturers, leasing companies, airport operators and ground handlers.

What happened: - Allied Market Research published a forecast report on the global Ground Support Equipment Market covering 2022-2032. - The report projects the market will garner US$14.2 billion by 2032. - The study covers powered and non-powered ground support equipment across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. - The report includes demand trends, competitive positioning, value chain analysis, regulatory trends and segment forecasts.

The details: - Global air traffic measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers rose 55.5% in February 2023 from a year earlier. - Airport expansion projects are supporting demand, including India’s AAI capital outlay of about USD 11.82 million, Spain’s USD 2.6 billion Barajas Airport expansion and Serbia’s USD 320.5 million modernization project. - Powered ground support equipment held the largest share in 2022. - That category includes aircraft tugs and tow tractors, baggage loaders, aircraft deicing equipment, ground power units and refueling trucks. - Non-powered ground support equipment includes towbars, ground dollies, maintenance stands and passenger boarding stairs. - Aircraft handling held the largest application share in 2022. - Cargo handling is growing rapidly on the back of air freight expansion and e-commerce demand. - Non-electric ground support equipment held the largest market share in 2022 because of versatility, durability and less dependence on power infrastructure. - Electric ground support equipment is the fastest-growing segment, driven by emission-reduction targets and all-electric fleet procurement. - Hybrid equipment remains part of the market mix. - North America was the largest regional market in 2022, supported by major manufacturers, domestic and international air travel demand and all-electric fleet procurement initiatives such as New York JFK New Terminal One’s RFP. - Europe is growing as airports pursue emission-free operations, including Schiphol Airport’s 2030 target. - Asia-Pacific is expected to be the largest market during the forecast period, helped by high anticipated aircraft deliveries and airport expansion in India and China. - LAMEA is the fastest-growing region, led by rising passenger numbers, airport development and freight volumes in the Middle East. - The report profiles AERO SPECIALTIES, INC., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Textron GSE, Flightline Support Ltd., GATE GSE, Imai Aero-Equipment Mfg. Co., Ltd., JBT Corporation, Mallaghan, TLD and Guangtai. - The report also examines electric drivetrain integration, hydrogen fuel cell GSE, lithium-ion battery systems, leasing economics and total cost of ownership. - Electric ground support equipment can carry a 30% to 35% higher upfront cost than gas-powered equipment. - The report flags high initial investment barriers and Russia-Ukraine war supply chain disruptions as risks through 2032. - The report also reviews ICAO and FAA ground handling standards and ESG trends in airport emission-free operations.

Between the lines: - The market is shifting from a procurement story to an infrastructure and compliance story. - Airports that can support charging, electrification and specialized equipment may gain an advantage in operational efficiency and sustainability targets. - The higher upfront cost of electric equipment may slow adoption without leasing, incentives or long-term cost savings.

What’s next: - Allied Market Research expects electrification, hydrogen fuel cell development and customized ground support equipment to remain key growth themes. - Airport operators and airlines are likely to keep testing fleet transition strategies as emission rules tighten and traffic volumes recover. - Regional expansion, especially in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, is expected to influence the next wave of procurement.