Aircraft Ground Handling Systems Market Report 2025

The aircraft ground handling systems market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $176.5 billion in 2024 to $187.62 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to customer experience enhancement, safety and security concerns, focus on operational efficiency, globalization of air freight, and evolution of airport infrastructure.

The aircraft ground handling systems market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $235.52 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to a rise in air passenger traffic, expansion of fleet size, shift towards sustainable solutions, demand for efficient turnaround times, and infrastructure development. Major trends in the forecast period include automated ground handling equipment, electric and eco-friendly equipment, advanced baggage handling solutions, enhanced safety measures, and a focus on operational efficiency.

The rising demand for air travel is anticipated to significantly contribute to the expansion of the aircraft ground handling systems market. Air travel involves the transportation of passengers and cargo via airplanes, helicopters, or other aircraft. Efficient ground handling systems are crucial for airlines to ensure timely and safe procedures before take-off and after landing. These systems play a pivotal role in maintaining punctuality and ensuring security for all involved parties. For instance, in February 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported a 39.7% increase in global total air traffic compared to December 2021, with European carriers experiencing a surge of 46.5% during the same period. This surge in air travel demand is a significant driver propelling the growth of the aircraft ground handling systems market.

The growing expansion of e-commerce is anticipated to drive the growth of the aircraft ground handling systems market in the future. E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the Internet, which has become a vital component of the global economy, revolutionizing how businesses operate and how consumers shop. As e-commerce companies expand globally, they require swift and reliable transportation for their goods. This increase in air cargo demand leads to a higher need for aircraft ground handling systems to effectively manage the loading and unloading of cargo, along with other related ground services. For instance, in August 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau, a US-based government agency, reported that retail e-commerce sales in the US reached $291.6 billion in the second quarter of 2024, reflecting a 1.3% increase from the first quarter and a 6.7% rise year-over-year. Total retail sales amounted to $1.82 trillion, rising by 0.5% from Q1 and 2.1% from Q2 2023. Thus, the increasing expansion of e-commerce is driving the growth of the aircraft ground handling systems market.

Major companies in the aircraft ground handling systems market are pioneering innovative solutions tailored for airfreight operations, aiming to establish a competitive advantage in the industry. Airfreight operations encompass the comprehensive process of transporting goods by air, involving planning, coordination, and execution tasks related to shipments. For example, Etihad Airways, a UAE-based airline, unveiled AI-powered solutions in May 2023 to streamline airfreight operations and optimize cargo capacity. These AI tools, such as Amplifi for load optimization, Cargo Eye for real-time cargo digitization, and Assemble for digital ULD planning, are designed to bolster efficiency, standardize cargo handling processes, and elevate service standards for Etihad Cargo's clients and partners. This strategic move aligns with Etihad Cargo's digitalization strategy, aiming to establish an information-rich network and deliver a seamless end-to-end experience.

Major players in the aircraft ground handling systems market are innovating baggage tractors to gain a competitive edge. Baggage tractors are specialized vehicles that efficiently maneuver baggage carts and cargo containers on airport grounds. Textron Ground Support Equipment Inc., a Georgia-based ground support equipment company, introduced the TUG Endurance baggage tractor in September 2022. This modularly designed ground support equipment prioritizes performance, safety, serviceability, and sustainability. The CE-certified TUG Endurance offers cab-forward or cab-aft driving positions, featuring an ergonomic driving compartment for enhanced visibility and safety. Collaborating with General Motors (GM) and Powertrain Control Solutions (PCS), the baggage tractor boasts a lithium-ion electric powertrain with high-capacity batteries, supporting extended operation and accommodating both AC and DC charging. Equipped with electronic steering for superior maneuverability, it delivers a max drawbar pull of up to 6,000 lbs. and offers features such as inching controls, LCD display, HVAC, and the potential for autonomous control systems for future advancements. This innovation underscores a commitment to advanced functionality and sustainability within the aircraft ground handling systems market.

In August 2022, Alliance Grand International LLC, a US-based company specializing in airline cargo handling services, completed the acquisition of Airport Terminal Services for an undisclosed sum. This strategic acquisition is geared towards broadening Alliance Grand International's service offerings, particularly within the commercial passenger sector. By integrating Airport Terminal Services into its operations, Alliance Grand International aims to bolster its presence in the passenger and airport terminal segments. Airport Terminal Services, a US-based aviation company, is renowned for providing ground, baggage handling, and cargo handling services within the industry.

Major companies operating in the aircraft ground handling systems market include Cavotec SA, Textron Inc., Air T Inc., Alvest Holding SAS, Fraport AG, Qatar Airways, SATS Ltd, Aviapartner, Swissport International AG, The Emirates Group, Flughafen München GmbH, Menzies Aviation Limited, Celebi Aviation, AOT Ground Aviation Services Co., Ltd., Aero Handling, Airpro, Alliance Ground International, Quantem Aviation Services, TLD Group, Mallaghan Engineering Ltd., Oshkosh Corporation, TCR Group, Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co., Limited, dnata, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), Lufthansa LEOS, Sarcos Robotics, John Bean Technologies (JBT), Tronair.

North America was the largest region in the aircraft ground handling systems market in 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global aircraft ground handling systems market report during the forecast period. The regions covered in the aircraft ground handling systems market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the aircraft ground handling systems market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

An aircraft ground handling system encompasses the various services required by an aircraft from landing to take-off, including loading, unloading, refueling, baggage handling, passenger services, aircraft maintenance, and other necessary functions. This system ensures that an aircraft is prepared for take-off and maintained safely on the ground.

The primary product types within aircraft ground handling systems consist of passenger bag carts, pushback tractors, passenger boarding bridges, tugs, tractors, and anti-icing equipment. Passenger baggage carts are specifically designed to transport customers' luggage and baggage within airport terminals. These carts are categorized based on the system they are part of, which includes aircraft ground handling systems, cargo ground handling systems, and passenger ground handling systems. They incorporate various technologies such as conventional systems, electrical systems, and hybrid systems. These systems find application across commercial, military, and other sectors within the aviation industry.

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The aircraft ground handling system market consists of revenues earned by entities by providing services such as baggage handling, cabin services, and maintenance services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. The aircraft ground handling system market also includes sales of ground support equipment, aircraft towbars and ground handling safety equipment that is used in providing aircraft ground handling system services. 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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