Ground handling has witnessed a range of technological innovations in recent years. In 2025, sustainability has been a priority area, along with automation and data integration. In this article, we review several key advances and how they improve operations.
Acceleration of Sustainable GSE Adoption
Traditional ground support equipment is gradually being replaced by electric and hybrid alternatives. A study by IATA found that electric GSE produces about 48% less CO₂ than its ICE counterparts; globally, if all ground equipment were electric, the industry could cut around 1.8 million tons of CO₂ per year. Other benefits include reduced maintenance costs (lowering TCO) and less noise pollution.
Airports in many regions have announced ambitious conversion targets – for example, Los Angeles International aims to electrify its entire GSE fleet by 2045. London Heathrow has been testing electric loaders and air start units since 2018, had set the target to reduce emissions by 50% by 2025, and intends to reach net-zero by 2050.
The global electric GSE market was valued at USD 1.82 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 5.14 billion by 2033, a CAGR of 11.7%. A few key drivers are:
- Government pressure.
- Growing passenger demand – as terminals expand to meet demand (or new ones are constructed), operators are adopting electric GSE from the outset.
- Advancements in battery technology, including enhanced capacities, faster charging, and extended operational ranges.
Hydrogen-Powered GSE
Hydrogen and synthetic GSE fuels are also being piloted. In the Zero Carbon Turn project at Exeter Airport, UK (2024-25) hydrogen‑powered GPUs, tugs and baggage tractors were being tested. Vehicles were retrofitted with hydrogen fuel cells, hydrogen‑diesel hybrids, or hydrogen‑ICE engines.
The objective was to address challenges related to the safe storage, supply and delivery of hydrogen and to develop airport-specific standards and regulations for the use of hydrogen.
Broader Deployment of Autonomous GSE
This year, the use of autonomous ground support equipment has increased. For example, Swissport launched a pilot with UK firm Aurrigo at Zurich Airport to test a fully autonomous electric cargo tug (Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug). The tug is equipped with 360° LiDAR and cameras to detect obstacles and automates the loading and unloading unit‑load devices.
This was just the first step in a broader deployment plan. The two companies are assessing additional locations for implementing autonomous equipment, including Aurrigo’s remote control and command platform which supports large-scale deployments.
The benefits of autonomous GSE include:
- Greater efficiency, therefore reduced turnaround times.
- Improved safety as drivers are removed from hazardous environments.
- Optimized labor allocation.
Robotics in Ground Handling
Beyond GSE, robots are taking on specialized ground tasks including de-icing, cleaning and refueling. This year, the Spanish Mobile Robotics Association announced the opening of a mobile robotics hub at Castellón Airport. The facility, known as the SkyBot Lab, will allow technologies to be experimented with and validated in a real operational environment. This is expected to accelerate their adoption.
Robots can improve safety outcomes. For example, cleaning robots can reach high and low areas with ease, protecting workers from the hazard associated with working at height – and minimizing their exposure to cleaning chemicals and the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
These robots have also proven helpful during the insect season. Allegedly, insect accumulation on an aircraft’s laminar flow area increases fuel use by 1.1% to 4.4%, and as little as 400 insects can increase drag significantly. The residue needs to be cleaned frequently during periods of significant insect activity, making it critical to have efficient ways to do so. Robots may be the answer.
Baggage handling robots are also reducing worker strain. The Fraunhofer Institute and Munich Airport are working together to develop the so-called BagBOT, which can grip baggage and will work via remote control.
Computer Vision for Monitoring Turnaround Processes
Improving visibility of the turnaround process helps operators detect repetitive inefficiencies, and AI is making it easier to do so.
Lufthansa and Frankfurt Airport partnered with AI startup zeroG to pilot a computer‑vision system called Seer. High‑definition cameras record every handling task like boarding, refueling, etc., and timestamp them. The accuracy this brings helps management to identify inefficiencies more easily and provides a single source of truth for turnaround data, reinforcing compliance.
Seer was initially being used at five aircraft parking positions and by the end of the year, it’s due to be implemented in 20 positions. After that, it will be deployed across the airport.
Comprehensive Data Collection and 5G Connectivity
Data collection in ground handling has significantly advanced in 2025, with airports deploying extensive IoT sensor networks and private 5G networks to support the high volume and critical nature of traffic. The market for IoT in aviation overall is forecast to grow by 21.7% between 2025 and 2034.
Sensors are embedded throughout ramp areas to continuously track the location, operational status, and fuel levels of every piece of GSE in real-time. This level of detail helps optimize fleet utilization and maintenance scheduling. The live tracking of baggage also contributes to reduced turnaround times and lower mishandling rates.
Private 5G networks provide the robust connectivity required for these systems to function reliably in airport environments.
This year, Delhi Airport implemented an AI-powered airside management system that collects real-time data from numerous sources across the airport with the goal of improving efficiency and safety. It enables real-time monitoring of the movement of aircraft and GSE and provides a unified platform for airlines, ground handlers, and airport authorities to collaborate.
Biometric Identification
Passenger and crew verification is being accelerated by biometric ID systems. In a recent IATA survey, 46% of passengers said they had already used biometric processes in the airport and a large majority found it convenient – 84% were satisfied with the experience, and 75% prefer biometrics to traditional passports and boarding passes.
With that said, 50% were concerned about data protection and 39% would be more open to these solutions with greater assurance of their data’s security.
For ground handling, biometrics means shorter queues and faster gate turnaround times. Staff can also benefit through using biometric scanners at secure access points.
As of early 2025, 43% of airports had implemented some form of biometric ID and by 2027, 75% of airports intend to use it at multiple points including check-in/bag drop, boarding, and passport control.
Digitization
Digitization continues to increase across the aviation industry. IATA’s 37th International Ground Handling Conference took place earlier this year and key themes included digitization and the standardization of processes.
A few topics discussed were IATA X565, the new standard for weight and balance data exchange, which will improve safety and reliability, and Electronic Load Instruction and Reconciliation (ELIR). ELIR is due for release before the end of the year. Early adopters are reporting 80% fewer loading errors and 30% fewer delays.
Baggage Handling Roadmap
IATA also discussed their 10 year roadmap for improving baggage handling operations which is built on three pillars.
Information Exchange and Data Standardization
Modern data exchange via APIs improves accuracy, enhances cybersecurity, and reduces transmission costs. Estimates show that switching from teletype to modern Baggage Messaging Standards will save USD 1 billion per year.
Tracking and Automation
The aviation sector is pushing for 100% end-to-end baggage visibility and the retirement of paper tags. IATA is driving the adoption of electronic tags, RFID, GPS and Bluetooth Low Energy technologies in order to reach this goal. One objective on that path is for 80% of airlines to have an implementation plan for Resolution 753 and 30% to be actively using it.
Fraud Prevention and Passenger Experience
IATA is driving the adoption of technologies like computer vision, predictive analytics, AI-supported claims verification, and robotics to prevent fraud, reduce mishandling rates, and speed up customer service.
How Aviation Management Software Improves Standardization
Digitization is transforming how ground handlers manage the entire turnaround process. Instead of using radios, paper logs, and fragmented systems, cloud based aviation software for turnaround management provides control over all steps, from aircraft arrival to departure.
Thanks to this software, managers have real-time visibility over all turnaround activities and therefore, heightened situational awareness. Teams can monitor milestones, receive automatic alerts when tasks are complete or delayed, and adjust plans proactively to avoid further disruptions.
These platforms standardize turnaround processes across stations and service providers, ensuring every task is performed the same way, documented the same way, and measured the same way. The same goes for cloud based baggage reconciliation systems.
Mobile applications are also gaining traction. For example, our weight and balance software allows staff to manage the loading process via tablet, reducing communication delays and helping to ensure that flights depart on time.
Conclusion
To summarize, key developments this year were the growing adoption of electric and hybrid GSE; the growing deployment of autonomous GSE; further investment in robotics, IoT, AI, and 5G; and the increased adoption of biometrics.
Airports are changing quickly and within the next 5-10 years, the operational environment may look quite different. We will likely see many more robots and drones on the ramp, and many process changes that support faster passenger processing and turnaround times.
Zafire provides market leading aviation software for airports, airlines and ground handlers worldwide. To learn more or request a demo, contact us today.
