Introduction: What is Ground Support Equipment (GSE)?

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) refers to the tools and devices used in ground operations after airplanes land, providing essential services to aircraft, passengers, and their cargo. These equipment items are utilized during the time between two flights to ensure quick and accurate operations. Many airlines outsource their ground handling contracts to airports or dedicated handling companies to increase efficiency and reduce aircraft turnaround time.

Airport Equipment: Comprehensive Ground Support Tools

Airport ground support equipment includes a wide range of vehicles and devices that perform various functions such as passenger and cargo handling, aircraft fueling, engine and body maintenance, catering, and ensuring cabin conditions. One of the most critical activities in this area is the loading and unloading of passengers and cargo, which must be carried out efficiently to minimize aircraft downtime at airports. Additionally, fueling airplanes is another vital operation that requires accuracy and adherence to safety standards.

Beyond these, GSE also includes specialized services like supplying drinking water, emptying aircraft toilet tanks, transporting sick, disabled, or elderly passengers, and cabin cleaning. These services are facilitated by specific equipment such as cabin cleaning devices, air conditioning systems, and aircraft power supply units, as well as consumables like soap, pillows, and blankets. Ground handling companies must provide optimal conditions for passengers and crew to ensure safety and comfort.

Ultimately, airport ground handling requires speed, precision, and efficiency to reduce aircraft turnaround time and, thus, improve airline flight schedules and performance.

Types of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Used in Airports

Chocks: Aircraft Stability and Safety

Chocks are essential tools used to prevent unwanted aircraft movement while parked. Made of durable materials such as wood or hard rubber, they are placed in front and behind an aircraft’s wheels to maintain its position. Chocks are often connected by ropes or cables to prevent them from separating during use. These safety devices play a crucial role in maintaining aircraft security during ground operations.

Refuelers: Aircraft Fueling Equipment

Refueling equipment includes fuel tankers and hydrant trucks, which supply necessary fuel to aircraft. Fuel tankers typically have large tanks with capacities up to 60,000 liters and are made from durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel. In modern airports, underground hydrant systems have replaced tankers, directly delivering fuel to aircraft via hydrant trucks. Hydrant systems offer significant advantages over tankers, including faster and more efficient refueling and eliminating the need for tanker refills.

Ground Power Units (GPU): Supplying Aircraft Electricity

Ground Power Units (GPUs) are crucial for providing electricity to aircraft while parked. GPUs supply power to various aircraft systems, allowing them to use external electrical sources instead of relying on internal batteries. GPUs can be stationary or mobile and provide both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC), depending on the aircraft’s needs. GPUs optimize energy use, reduce stress on aircraft resources, and enhance airport ground operations.

Air Conditioning Units (ACU): Ensuring Comfortable Cabin Conditions

Air Conditioning Units (ACUs) maintain optimal temperature and ventilation inside aircraft cabins when parked at the ramp. These units, which can be fixed or mobile, ensure that air quality and cabin temperature remain comfortable for passengers and crew. ACUs are typically connected to aircraft via large flexible ducts to provide sufficient airflow and regulate cabin conditions, reducing internal energy consumption.