CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand – Airports across the world are adopting electric ground support equipment (eGSE), and a new report reveals key barriers depending on the size of operations. Enatel, a global leader in electrification solutions, today launches The Global State of Airside Electrification: From Commitment to Operational Reality, backed by industry data, real-world case studies and expert interviews.
The report finds that electrification is accelerating globally, but airports face different execution challenges depending on scale. From power availability constraints at major hubs to knowledge and planning gaps at regional operations, both need actionable guidance to move from commitment to execution and meet sustainability goals.
The insights come at a pivotal time. A recent survey by Ground Support Worldwide found that nearly 65% of airports intend to invest in eGSE fleets over the next five years to meet sustainability targets, improve operational efficiency and comply with new regulations. However, over 70% of respondents indicated their charging infrastructure is lacking.
“The question for most airports is no longer whether to electrify, it’s how to plan and scale new electric GSE fleets effectively,” said Mike Clifford, General Manager of Enatel. “This report explores how GSE operators should prioritize infrastructure strategies and long-term implementation planning.”
Key Insights from the GSE Report
From large international airports to smaller regional hubs, airside electrification is gaining momentum. Developing charging infrastructure that works within existing airside operations provides a practical pathway to fleet electrification. Enatel’s comprehensive report provides airport operators with expert insights to more effectively implement eGSE and create successful charging infrastructure strategies.
The report finds that some of the biggest challenges and opportunities for the industry include:
- Large international airports are facing electrical infrastructure constraints that limit immediate electrification ambitions, while small and medium hubs are primarily constrained by lack of staffing, budget, and knowledge.
- New methods to respond to power limitations, including battery energy storage systems, can reduce peak demand and lower total system costs by up to $10 million for large US airports.
- Operators that adopt airport GSE battery charger partners early and develop long-term strategies are better positioned to scale electrification successfully without disrupting day-to-day operations.
- Charging equipment reliability and durability are essential to long-term electrification success, particularly in demanding airport environments.
Industry Experts in the GSE Report
The report also highlights insights from airport operators and charging specialists around the world. The airport operators and charging specialists that contributed to the report include:
- Darren King, Managing Director at FastCharge, bringing practical expertise in GSE charging infrastructure deployment and airport electrification.
- Tony Smith, Chief Operations Officer at Bahrain Airport Services, offering firsthand insight into airside operations and eGSE implementation.
- Ivar Bal, Project Lead at Deerns, contributing expertise in airport infrastructure planning and electrification projects.
- Damien O’Regan, Product Strategy Lead at Enatel, providing specialist knowledge of battery charging technology and charging infrastructure strategies.
- Chris Baldwin, CEO of IDEAL Industries, sharing a broad perspective on electrification and power management trends.
What Airport Operators Can Learn in the Report
The report is organized into four distinct chapters:
- Why Airside Electrification is Entering a New Phase: Chapter 1 provides a comprehensive overview of why airport owners and operators are adopting electric ground support equipment (eGSE). Supported by data from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Airport Carbon Accreditation, and other organizations, the chapter illustrates how sustainability targets, operational efficiency goals, and new local regulations are driving eGSE growth.
An example of one of the graphics included in the report. This chart illustrates a projected spike in power demand as an airport’s electric ground support equipment fleet expands.
- How Airports are Addressing Airside Electrification Challenges: Most airports have committed to electrifying their ground support fleets, but the challenge they face now is execution. Chapter 2 examines how challenges to eGSE implementation, including utility power constraints and standardization gaps, differ based upon airport size. Battery energy storage systems and renewable energy are discussed as emerging methods to respond to power challenges.
- Why Charging Strategy is a Make-or-Break Decision: Poor charging strategies lead to underutilized fleets, disrupted workflows, and diminished confidence in electrification programs. Chapter 3 examines how airport operators can optimize their charging strategy programs with proactive planning, distributor partnerships, and more.
- Which Chargers Support Airside Charging: The report concludes with a discussion on the importance of industrial battery chargers when planning a successful charging infrastructure strategy. Chapter 4 explores what airport operators should consider when selecting their eGSE chargers, including efficiency, safety, telematics, outdoor durability, and scalability.
“This report provides airport operators with the strategies they need to move from electrification commitment to scalable, successful execution,” said Rachel Whitehead, Director of Marketing and Product at Enatel. “Infrastructure decisions made today will support long-term electrification success.”
“This report provides airport operators with the strategies they need to move from electrification commitment to scalable, successful execution. Infrastructure decisions made today will support long-term electrification success.”
Rachel Whitehead, Director of Marketing and Product at Enatel