SUPPLEMENT


Global examples leading the charge Airports around the world are actively piloting and scaling electric GSE programmes:


• Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has pledged to have 90% of its GSE fleet electric or hybrid by 2030.


• San Diego International Airport reached over 80% electrification of its GSE in collaboration with airlines and ground service providers.


• Oslo Airport became one of the first in the world to operate entirely on renewable energy and now uses electric GSE powered by hydropower.


• Gatwick Airport in the UK has introduced electric ground power units (e-GPUs) to replace diesel units that service aircraft parked at gates.


In the US, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has offered funding through the Voluntary Airport Low Emissions (VALE) program, supporting infrastructure development


like charging stations and power systems to accommodate electric fleets.


Challenges and considerations Despite the progress, the shift is not without hurdles. Infrastructure is a major concern - charging stations must be installed at strategic points across sprawling airport layouts. Electrical grid capacity may need upgrades to support a fully electrified fleet. Additionally, standardisation across different airlines and ground handling companies is crucial, as many operate their own vehicles within shared airport spaces. There’s also the issue of legacy fleets. Airports and service


providers often operate GSE that can last 20 or more years. Retiring functional diesel equipment early requires either financial incentives


or regulatory mandates to make the case for early replacement. In late March 2025, a catastrophic fire at the North Hyde


substation knocked out London Heathrow’s primary power feed on March 20, grounding around 1,300 flights and stranding roughly 200,000 passengers. Though backup diesel generators and UPS systems activated to support critical safety systems like runway lighting and ATC, they were not designed for


full-scale airport


operations. Electric GSE - such as e-tugs, belt loaders and mobile power units - could not recharge due to the power absence and remained inoperative, further disrupting ramp operations. When grid power fails, charging options are limited: airports rely


on portable diesel generators, trailer-mounted gensets or small battery reserves to support essential e GSE. As a longer-term solution, deploying on-site microgrids with generator redundancy, battery-backup systems, and enhanced substation feeds can keep GSE operational during major power cuts.


The road ahead Looking


forward, collaboration between airport authorities,


airlines, manufacturers, and regulators will be essential to continue this transition. Investment in infrastructure and smart planning will help overcome the current bottlenecks. Meanwhile, growing consumer awareness and pressure on the aviation industry to reduce its carbon footprint will only intensify the need for action. The electrification of GSE may not grab the headlines in the way


sustainable aviation fuels or electric aircraft do, but its impact is profound. Every diesel tug removed from the tarmac contributes to cleaner air, quieter runways, and a more sustainable airport ecosystem. As the aviation sector charts a path toward a greener future, the electric revolution on the ground is proving that meaningful change can start right at the gate.


“Given the constant


movement of aircraft and


ground crews in


tightly regulated spaces, GSE


plays a critical


role in keeping airports


functioning efficiently.”


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