As a core component of aviation ground operations, Ground Support Equipment (GSE) encompasses diverse machinery including aircraft tractors, baggage loaders, and ground power units, directly impacting flight turnaround efficiency and airport operational safety.
The global GSE market exhibits steady growth, primarily driven by the recovery of air traffic volumes, airport infrastructure expansion, and environmental policies.
Research indicates that the global airport ground support equipment market reached RMB 68.439 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to RMB 92.239 billion by 2032, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.36% during this period.
Regionally, North America and Europe represent traditional mature markets with established supply chains and technological expertise, while the Asia-Pacific region—particularly China—is emerging as the fastest-growing market.
China's GSE market reached approximately RMB 20.689 billion in 2024, demonstrating robust regional demand.
You rely on ground support equipment every time you travel through an airport. These tools and vehicles keep aircraft ready for flight and help move passengers and cargo efficiently. Ground support equipment includes both powered and non-powered devices. Powered equipment, such as ground power units and refueling systems, prepare aircraft for their next journey. Non-powered tools, like dollies and wheel chocks, maintain safety and order during operations.
Ground support equipment manufacturers design these products to improve airport efficiency and safety. The right equipment helps you experience quick turnaround times, enhanced safety, and better passenger service.
You encounter many types of ground support equipment at international airports. Each type addresses specific operational needs and improves overall efficiency.
Aircraft tugs and pushback tractors: Move aircraft on the ground without using engines.
Refueling vehicles: Deliver aviation fuel directly to planes.
Passenger boarding bridges and stairs: Help you board and exit safely.
Deicing equipment: Remove ice and snow from aircraft surfaces in cold regions.
Ground power units: Provide electrical power to aircraft on the ground.
Catering and lavatory service trucks: Transport food, beverages, and manage waste.
Baggage handling equipment: Includes belt loaders, baggage carts, and conveyor systems for luggage transport.
Different equipment types serve unique functions. For example, luggage tugs pull baggage carts, pushback tractors position aircraft, and belt loaders move cargo on and off planes. Modern GSE also supports sustainability, easier charging, and improved operational efficiency, especially with advancements like lithium battery technology.
When you evaluate ground support equipment manufacturers, you look for companies that lead in market share, innovation, and reliability. These manufacturers shape the aviation industry with their advanced products and global reach. The following companies stand out for their business strategies, recent developments, and competitive strength.
TLD is a world-leading manufacturer of aviation ground support equipment headquartered in France. The company offers a complete product line of GSE, including aircraft tow tractors, baggage trailers, ground power units, and air conditioning units. Its TX series of electric aircraft tow tractors utilize advanced lithium battery technology to achieve zero-emission operations. TLD's AS series of airport special vehicles are widely used at major airports globally, renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability.
You benefit from their integration of AI and digital tools, which enhance leadership and operational effectiveness. TLD Group accelerates innovation and adapts quickly to industry trends. Their approach combines high-tech insights with hands-on experiences, helping you stay ahead in a competitive market.
TLD Group uses AI to generate actionable insights.
They focus on transforming technology into impactful solutions.
You see their commitment to driving mergers and acquisitions for growth.
JBT Corporation from the United States is a significant global supplier of aviation ground equipment. Its products include aircraft refuelers, baggage conveyor belts, and aircraft deicers. JBT's AERO series products are known for their innovative technology, with electric baggage conveyors featuring intelligent control systems that effectively improve loading and unloading efficiency.
JBT competes with other industry leaders and maintains a strong reputation for innovation. Their recent product launches, such as the ADVANTEC Narrow Impingement Freezer and SeamTec 2 Evolute, show a commitment to efficiency and automation. JBT’s patented C.A.T. Automated Clean-in-Place Technology improves safety and reduces labor costs. The latest spiral freezer design optimizes maintenance and installation, helping you achieve faster turnaround times.
The U.S. company Tronair is a professional aviation ground equipment manufacturer. Tronair earns trust from airport operators and airlines for its comprehensive product range. You find towing systems, lifting equipment, and custom solutions tailored to your needs. Tronair’s equipment meets strict safety standards, ensuring reliability in every operation. Their strong market presence results from continuous product upgrades and a focus on customer collaboration. The Launch Pad platform keeps you informed about new releases and encourages feedback for future innovations.
AERO Specialties delivers unique features that improve safety and efficiency. You rely on systems like SiPsHitch™, which monitors towing force to prevent equipment damage. The Safe-Lav system ensures safe lavatory servicing, while GPU safety interlock kits enhance operational safety. Aircraft Safe Docking uses 3D sensing cameras to prevent accidents during docking. AERO Specialties also addresses sustainability, with products like the JetGo 45-400 meeting Tier 3, Tier 4f, and EU Stage 5 standards. Their commitment to innovation and energy efficiency earned them the Good Design Award in 2020.
Cavotec SA leads in automation and electrification for airports. You benefit from their automated connection systems, which improve safety and efficiency. Cavotec’s acquisition of Combibox strengthens their capabilities in automated ground support equipment. Their global reach includes projects in Australia, Brazil, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and more. Cavotec secures multiple orders for advanced cable reels and container port cranes, showing a strong commitment to automation and sustainability.
As a leading Chinese aviation ground equipment manufacturer, Weihai Guangtai provides a full range of GSE products. The company's products cover multiple categories including aircraft tow tractors, platform trucks, and power supply vehicles. Its electric baggage tow tractors feature advanced battery management systems with excellent endurance. Guangtai products hold strong competitiveness in the international market due to their cost-performance advantage.
Oshkosh Corporation leads in purpose-built equipment and advanced technology. You rely on their mission-critical vehicles for unmatched performance and reliability. Oshkosh invests aggressively in intelligent products and analytics, maximizing operational uptime. Their platforms support diverse airport operations, including baggage handling, ground support, gate equipment, military aviation, and facilities management.
China International Marine Containers (CIMC) is a significant player in the GSE industry. You see their passenger boarding bridges at airports worldwide. CIMC provides a wide range of airport facilities and automated logistics equipment. Their technological advancements contribute to a 25% global market share, with revenue reaching ¥5 billion in 2022 and an average profit margin of 15%.
Wide range of airport facilities and logistics equipment
Germany's MULAG specializes in manufacturing high-end airport ground equipment. MULAG focuses on green technology and advanced engineering. You benefit from their drive concepts, including Electro, Hybrid, CNG/LPG, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell options. MULAG’s low and zero-emission drives support environmentally friendly operations. Their decades of experience allow them to provide tailored equipment configurations for various airport applications.
ITW GSE distinguishes itself through technology leadership and sustainability. You see their electric PCA units and hose management systems at airports like Schiphol, supporting reduced environmental impact and improved efficiency. Their PCA units feature automated aircraft type detection and EcoGate integration for energy savings. ITW GSE plays a key role in the battery swapping market, adopting lithium-ion battery solutions for ground support equipment. These batteries offer high energy density, long cycle life, and fast charging, making them the dominant choice for GSE in 2024.
The current wave of electrification in the GSE (ground support equipment) market is the core driver propelling the growth of its supporting lithium-ion battery sector. This trend stems from the intense pressure on the global aviation industry to reduce emissions, coupled with the enhanced economic viability brought by mature lithium-ion battery technology. The expansion of the GSE lithium-ion battery market is not coincidental but rather driven by a convergence of clear policy, economic, and environmental factors.
Clear Electrification Transition: The global aviation industry is committed to reducing carbon emissions, with many airlines formulating plans to gradually replace traditional fuel-powered GSE with zero-emission equipment. This creates substantial market demand for electric GSE, directly driving demand for its “heart”—lithium batteries.
Economic Benefits Emerge: Electric GSE offers significant operational cost advantages. Lithium batteries, with their high energy density, fast charging capabilities, and long lifespan, effectively reduce fuel expenses and engine maintenance costs, delivering long-term economic benefits to operators.
Sustained Policy Support: Global “dual carbon” strategies provide fundamental momentum for electrification. Additionally, airport operational policies in certain countries and regions are increasingly favoring low-emission or zero-emission equipment, continuously driving the penetration of lithium batteries in the GSE sector.
The unique operating environment of GSE equipment imposes clear and stringent technical requirements on the lithium batteries that power them.
Defined Technical Path: Currently, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries dominate the GSE sector. This is because they perfectly align with GSE equipment's extreme demands for safety, cycle life, and cost-effectiveness. Their high thermal stability meets the reliability requirements for airport ground equipment operating under prolonged, high-load conditions.
Performance Focus: Core requirements for GSE lithium batteries include:
High Energy Density: Ensures sufficient range for equipment like baggage tugs and aircraft pushback vehicles, maintaining operational efficiency.
High-Rate Discharge Capability: Meets instantaneous high-power demands during equipment startup, incline climbing, or full-load operation.
Wide Temperature Range: Must withstand extreme apron conditions from summer heat to winter cold.
Long Cycle Life: Reduces total lifecycle operating costs.
Smart Integration: Beyond the battery cells themselves, integrating an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) is increasingly essential. BMS enables remote monitoring of battery status, fault alerts, and lifespan prediction, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Defined Application Scenarios: Lithium batteries are primarily used in various electric GSEs, with clear application scenarios. They mainly cover key ground support equipment such as push-back tugs, belt loaders, container loaders, and baggage trailers.
You notice rapid advancements in battery technology shaping the future of GSE. Lithium battery solutions, such as those from BSLBATT, deliver longer run times and faster charging. You benefit from lightweight batteries that improve vehicle performance and reduce maintenance. Airports now prefer lithium batteries for their high energy density and reliability. You see ground support equipment manufacturers integrating smart battery management systems to extend lifespan and enhance safety. These innovations support green airport initiatives and lower total cost of ownership.
Note: Choosing lithium battery-powered GSE helps you meet sustainability goals and improve operational efficiency.
As a lithium battery manufacturer, BSLBATT is at the forefront of this transformative wave. The widespread adoption of electric GSE directly drives demand for high-performance lithium battery solutions.
BSLBATT lithium batteries, renowned for their extended cycle life, stable output performance, and exceptional safety features, have become the preferred choice for numerous GSE manufacturers and retrofit projects.
Through collaboration with equipment manufacturers, BSLBATT delivers customized battery solutions for various electric GSEs—including baggage tugs, conveyor belt vehicles, and aircraft pushback tugs—facilitating the efficient transition of traditional equipment to electric power.
