Ground handling is entering a new era of sustainability and efficiency. A critical part of this evolution is the transition from diesel vehicles to electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE). In Southeast Asia, where aviation is booming, airports and ground service companies are accelerating efforts to “green” their operations.
Major airports near urban centers face stricter emissions requirements, which is driving interest in electric GSE like battery-powered ground power units and vehicles. The benefits are clear – eGSE produce zero on-site emissions and can significantly reduce fuel costs and pollution.
For example, Singapore’s Changi Airport has deployed 80 electric baggage tractors, cutting an estimated 627 tons of CO₂ and lowering noise on the ramp. These gains, however, don’t happen by accident. Achieving a successful eGSE transition calls for strategic planning and strong partnerships.
On the final day of our series on eGSE, let’s take a comprehensive look at how to future-proof ground handling through careful strategy and collaboration, with a focus on Southeast Asia (while drawing on global best practices).
ITW GSE supplied 180 pieces of equipment including 72 GPUs and 36 PCAs units to the Bangkok Suvarnabhumi new satellite terminal.
Developing a Strategic Roadmap for eGSE Transition
Transitioning an entire fleet of ground support equipment to electric is a complex, multi-year endeavor. It requires more than just purchasing new electric vehicles – it calls for a strategic roadmap that addresses technology, infrastructure, operations, and people. Here are key steps in planning an effective eGSE transition:
- Assess Your Current Operations and Infrastructure: Begin with a thorough assessment of your existing GSE fleet, usage patterns, and energy infrastructure. Identify which equipment generates the most emissions and incurs high fuel or maintenance costs.
Audit the airport’s electrical capacity and charging stations (if any) to understand what upgrades are needed. This baseline analysis will highlight “low-hanging fruit” – for instance, baggage tractors or ground power units that are ripe for electrification due to high utilization and available electric models. - Set Clear Goals and Phased Implementation Plans: Based on the assessment, develop a strategic plan with clear goals, timelines, and budgets for the eGSE transition. Prioritize the conversion of equipment that offers the biggest ROI in fuel and emission savings.
Many experts suggest starting with GSE that operates frequently or on predictable schedules – e.g. baggage tugs, belt loaders, or forklifts – since these will yield immediate benefits in fuel savings and emissions reductionsolusgrp.com. Define Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as percentage of fleet electrified, CO₂ reduction, or operating cost savings to measure progress.
A phased approach is often prudent: for example, pilot a few electric units in one airport terminal or operation first, then scale up based on lessons learned. Cebu Pacific in the Philippines took this approach by running demo trials of electric baggage tractors at Manila’s airport to test their performance and safety before broader rollout. The insights from such pilots are invaluable for shaping long-term strategy. - Plan for Charging Infrastructure and Energy Needs: Incorporate an EV charging infrastructure plan into your roadmap from the start. Electric GSE require reliable, rapid charging to match operational demands, so airports must invest in robust charging stations at convenient airside locations. Evaluate power requirements – will your grid supply handle multiple fast chargers during peak hours?
Close coordination with airport facility managers and utility providers is crucial to ensure sufficient electrical capacity and to schedule any necessary power upgrades. Strategically place charging points near gates or GSE parking zones to minimize driving time for charging.
Changi Airport, for example, installed common-use charging points on the ramp so that all ground handlers can easily charge their eGSE, eliminating the need for each company to build its own chargers and saving precious space.
Some airports even consider on-site renewable energy or microgrids to power eGSE, improving reliability and sustainability of the energy supply. Early planning for infrastructure ensures your electric fleet will be supported as it grows. - Invest in Training and Change Management: Don’t overlook the human factor. Training staff – from equipment operators to maintenance crews – on the new electric equipment and charging systems is essential. Technicians will need to learn high-voltage electrical safety and new maintenance protocols, while drivers/operators must adapt to differences in electric vehicle operation (such as instant torque and regenerative braking).
Proper training programs and change management efforts will help alleviate anxieties and build employee buy-in for the new technology. Engaging employees early, perhaps showcasing the cleaner and quieter working environment that eGSE create, can turn staff into champions of the transition. - Engage Stakeholders and Align with Regulations: A successful eGSE transition doesn’t happen in isolation – it requires engaging all stakeholders and aligning with broader aviation sustainability goals. Communicate and collaborate with airline customers, airport authorities, and regulators about your electrification plans.
Ensure the strategy meets any emerging regulations or airport carbon accreditation standards. In Southeast Asia, governments are increasingly supportive of electric vehicle adoption – several countries have EV policies and incentives to spur private investment in electrification. By aligning your plan with national sustainability initiatives or airport-wide environmental programs, you can gain access to funding, grants, or simply good will.
For instance, Singapore’s aviation regulator (CAAS) offers an Aviation Development Fund that co-funds innovative projects – Changi Airport tapped this fund to support trials of autonomous electric baggage vehicles, helping mitigate financial risk.
Engaging stakeholders early also smooths operational hurdles; for example, coordinating with airport authorities might allow parking bays to be reconfigured for charging stations, or working with airlines might schedule turnaround times that accommodate quick charging. The more your partners are on board, the easier the transition will be.
By following these steps – assessing baseline, planning phased rollouts with clear goals, building infrastructure, training people, and collaborating with stakeholders – ground handling firms and airports can create a realistic roadmap to electrify their GSE fleets.
Strategic planning ensures that the transition not only achieves environmental targets but also enhances operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the long run.
Forging Key Partnerships for a Sustainable eGSE Transition
While internal planning is critical, future-proofing ground handling also hinges on strong external partnerships. No organization can do this alone; the shift to eGSE touches many domains from technology to energy supply.
Below, we explore the essential partnerships that Southeast Asian ground handlers and airports should cultivate.
Partnering with GSE Manufacturers (OEMs) for Technology and Support
Equipment OEMs are some of your most important allies in the eGSE journey. Close collaboration with reputable GSE manufacturers ensures you get the right technology, tailored solutions, and ongoing support.
A great example comes from Singapore: SATS, one of Asia’s leading ground handling providers, signed a multi-year partnership with Weihai Guangtai, a global GSE manufacturer. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, SATS is trialling new electric aircraft tugs co-developed with Guangtai and sharing feedback to refine the equipment’s design and reliability.
The partnership extends beyond a simple supplier relationship – it includes joint efforts on engineering improvements, operator training, and maintenance know-how for the new eGSE. By working hand-in-hand with the OEM, SATS ensures the electric GSE meets their operational needs and that their crew is fully prepared to use and maintain it.
Such OEM partnerships can also be strategic at a fleet management level. SATS has adopted a strategy of building long-term relationships with a few key GSE suppliers to streamline procurement and fleet upkeep. This approach improves reliability and total cost of ownership by standardizing equipment and leveraging volume for better service terms.
In practice, it means fewer makes/models in the fleet (simplifying maintenance and spare parts) and having the manufacturer’s expertise available to solve problems or customize features. Ground handlers transitioning to electric fleets should similarly identify core manufacturing partners who are committed to electric innovation and forge close collaborations with them.
This might involve joint trials (as SATS did), co-development of retrofits, or guaranteed training programs. In the Philippines, airline Cebu Pacific engaged multiple OEMs by bringing in demo units of electric baggage tractors from different suppliers (such as TLD Asia) for evaluation.
This not only allowed them to compare performance, but also signaled to the market that they seek deep partnerships with manufacturers who can meet their needs. The learnings from these trials are feeding into CEB’s long-term fleet electrification strategy and will help them choose the right vendors to partner with for a full rollout.
In summary, partnering with OEMs gives you access to the latest eGSE technology and the technical support to implement it. Manufacturers can provide training, share data from other deployments, and even help design custom solutions (like modified chargers or interchangeable batteries) to fit your operation.
These partnerships ensure you’re not just buying equipment, but also gaining a knowledge partner for your journey toward a modern electric ground fleet.
DEMO RUN. Members of the Cebu Pacific team during the demonstration run of the electric baggage tractor and charging station technology.
Collaborating with Energy Providers and Infrastructure Partners
Switching to electric GSE means transforming how you “fuel” your ground equipment – from diesel pumps to electrons. This makes energy utilities and infrastructure providers key partners in the transition. Airports need reliable, high-capacity power supply and smart charging systems to keep eGSE running smoothly.
In some cases, this requires upgrading substations or installing new power lines; in others, it might mean deploying renewable energy sources to offset the increased electricity usage. Engaging local power companies or specialized EV infrastructure firms early on is wise to ensure the airport can meet the power demand.
For example, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Indonesia partnered with state electricity company Indonesia Power to install public EV charging stations on-site. This collaboration is primarily for passenger electric cars, but it establishes a template for how an airport can work with a utility to expand charging infrastructure. A similar approach can be taken for airside operations: the airport authority coordinates with the utility to guarantee sufficient electrical capacity and to develop an optimal charging layout for GSE.
Another aspect is smart charging technology. As eGSE fleets grow, uncoordinated charging could strain the grid or create inefficiencies. Partnering with tech providers for smart chargers and energy management systems will help optimize charging schedules, perform load balancing, and even integrate with airport operations management.
Modern charging stations come with software that can stagger charging, monitor battery health, and send alerts – features that maximize uptime for eGSE and minimize electricity costs. Some airports collaborate with companies specializing in fast chargers or wireless charging to pilot new methods that could expedite turnaround times in the future.
Brisbane Airport in neighboring Australia, for instance, became an early adopter of a common-use fast charging bay for GSE – a project that required partnering with charging technology firms and the airport’s tenants to succeed.
Crucially, within the airport ecosystem, collaboration among the airport operator and all ground handlers is needed to share charging infrastructure effectively. Changi Airport’s common-use charging system (with 26 shared charging points) was possible because the airport worked closely with the multiple ground handling agents to implement a solution beneficial for everyone.
This kind of intra-industry partnership avoids duplication and lowers costs – each handler did not need to build separate chargers, and the airport ensured compatibility and standardization.
Finally, consider partnerships to secure clean energy for your eGSE. Transitioning to electric power only truly cuts emissions if the source of electricity is green. Progressive airports explore renewable energy arrangements – for example, on-site solar farms or purchasing green energy from utilities.
While not every ground handler can directly invest in renewables, collectively airports and their energy partners can increase the use of solar or wind power for airport operations. In the long run, such cooperation might lead to microgrid solutions at airports, as seen at New York’s JFK Airport where a state-of-the-art microgrid is being implemented to reach 100% renewable power for airport facilities.
Southeast Asian airports with abundant sun (or other resources) could similarly partner with sustainable energy providers or government energy agencies to power eGSE with clean energy. This not only future-proofs operations against rising fossil fuel costs but also aligns with national decarbonization targets.
Engaging Government and Sustainability Agencies
Partnerships for eGSE transition should extend to government bodies, industry associations, and sustainability-focused agencies. These partners often provide the enabling environment – funding, policies, or frameworks – that make large-scale transitions feasible.
As mentioned, many Southeast Asian governments are actively promoting electric vehicles. Ground handling companies should tap into any government incentive programs for electrification, such as grants, tax breaks, or pilot project funds. Engaging civil aviation authorities and transportation ministries can ensure that ground handling electrification is included in broader aviation sustainability roadmaps.
In Indonesia, for example, the Ministry of Transportation has been tightening regulations on GSE emissions and even considering age limits for fuel-based GSE to encourage fleet renewal. By maintaining a dialogue with regulators, ground handlers can anticipate such rules and possibly shape them.
They can also collaborate on crafting pragmatic policies – for instance, phasing requirements in gradually so companies have time to invest, or allowing trials of innovative tech under regulatory sandbox arrangements.
Sustainability agencies and industry groups can provide guidance and recognition. Airports Council International (ACI) has its Airport Carbon Accreditation program and green airport initiatives which often highlight ground fleet electrification as a key measure. Being active in these programs, or partnering with sustainability consultants/NGOs, can help an airport or handling agent benchmark its progress and learn from global best practices.
In the region, collaborations like the Green Airports Recognition by ACI Asia-Pacific or workshops by sustainability alliances can disseminate knowledge on eGSE and even connect you with technology partners. For example, Changi Airport’s partnership with Aurrigo (a UK tech firm) on autonomous electric baggage carts was partially funded by CAAS’s Aviation Development Fund, illustrating how a government-linked agency supported a sustainability innovation project.
Likewise, banks and finance institutions with green financing mandates are potential partners – SATS in Singapore collaborated with UOB (a major bank) to host an electric mobility workshop for its suppliers, highlighting the value of EV transition in ground logistics.
Such partnerships can open doors to favorable financing for eGSE purchases (like green loans or leases) and help smaller vendors in the supply chain move toward electrification too.
Lastly, consider partnerships with other airports or airlines to share knowledge. Airlines with strong sustainability goals may be willing to coordinate on ground equipment changes at the airports they serve.
An airline might prefer or even require its ground handler to use eGSE for its operations as part of its own carbon reduction strategy. Open communication and partnership with airline customers can ensure support for eGSE investments, possibly through longer-term handling contracts or cost-sharing arrangements for new equipment.
In summary, by engaging a broad network – from government agencies and industry groups to financial institutions and airline partners – ground handling firms can leverage external support to ease the transition.
These partnerships can provide technical advice, funding assistance, policy alignment, and public recognition for your eGSE efforts, all of which bolster the long-term sustainability of the transition.
Strategic partnerships enable ambitious projects like Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport’s new terminal, which integrated electric ground support systems from the design stage. In this Southeast Asian hub, electric GPUs and pre-conditioned air units were installed under passenger boarding bridges in 2023, reducing emissions by an estimated 90,000 tons of CO₂ annually.
Such forward-thinking projects result from collaboration between airport authorities, equipment suppliers, and engineering teams to ensure infrastructure and GSE upgrades go hand-in-hand.
Southeast Asia Leading by Example (With Global Inspiration)
Focusing on Southeast Asia, it’s encouraging to see that many airports and ground handlers in the region are already moving from planning to action.
As noted, Thailand’s Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport equipped its entire new satellite terminal with electric GSE units built into the infrastructure – a bold step that showcases strategic foresight and effective partnership with GSE manufacturers (in this case, Danish firm ITW GSE supplied much of the equipment).
Singapore has set a target to convert the majority of its GSE to electric by 2030, and through Changi Airport Group and SATS, it has demonstrated a model approach: trialing new technologies (from e-tugs to autonomous dollies), investing in charging infrastructure, and engaging stakeholders at all levels.
The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific, is similarly using trials and data to shape its roadmap, with support from OEMs and a clear tie-in to its corporate net-zero emissions pledge. These examples highlight a common thread – success comes from treating eGSE transition as a strategic, collaborative project rather than a simple equipment upgrade.
Of course, Southeast Asia can also draw inspiration from global pioneers. In Europe and North America, large ground handling companies like Swissport and Menzies are steadily increasing the share of eGSE in their fleets, often aiming for 50% or more electric GSE by mid-decade.
They’ve reported benefits like lower operating costs and improved worker safety/comfort, which strengthen the business case for electrification. Airports like Amsterdam Schiphol and London Heathrow have aggressively deployed electric GSE (from e-baggage tractors to e-GPU units), demonstrating that even the busiest hubs can maintain efficiency while cutting emissions.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in the US found that adopting eGSE eliminated about 10,000 metric tons of GHG emissions and saved roughly $2.8 million in fuel per year – statistics that any airport CFO can appreciate.
While local context varies, the underlying strategies – strong planning, stakeholder buy-in, and creative partnerships – are universal. Southeast Asian aviation players can adapt these lessons to their unique climate, regulatory, and economic conditions.
Conclusion – Guiding Your Ground Operations to an Electric Future
Future-proofing ground handling through eGSE is a journey that will pay dividends in sustainability, efficiency, and compliance with evolving norms. It’s clear that having a strategic game plan is non-negotiable – rushing in to buy a few electric carts is not enough.
By carefully assessing your needs, setting phased goals, and preparing your workforce and infrastructure, you create a solid foundation for success. Equally important, this journey is not one to walk alone.
Cultivating partnerships – whether with innovative OEMs co-developing the next-gen equipment, energy providers powering your chargers with reliable and green electricity, or government and industry bodies providing guidance and incentives – will massively amplify your capabilities. Every partnership can address a piece of the puzzle, from technical hurdles to financial barriers.
The transition to electric GSE in Southeast Asia is not just a compliance exercise or a green PR move; it’s an opportunity to modernize ground operations and keep pace with global aviation trends. With air traffic in the region expected to keep growing, airports and ground handlers that invest in sustainable, future-ready GSE will have a competitive advantage.
They’ll operate cleaner and quieter airports that neighboring communities appreciate, they’ll meet international airline expectations for low-carbon operations, and they’ll likely save costs in the long run through improved energy efficiency and lower maintenance.
By following the strategies and partnership approaches outlined above, ground handling providers can navigate the challenges of eGSE adoption and emerge as leaders in the industry’s low-carbon transformation.
The ramp of tomorrow is electric – and with smart planning and collaboration, Southeast Asia’s ground handlers will be fully charged and ready for that future.
