Glossary of Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Comprehensive Reference Guide for Airport Equipment

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is the backbone of every airport’s ground operations. It covers the diverse range of vehicles, machinery, and tools that keep aircraft moving safely, efficiently, and in compliance with international standards. This glossary provides an in-depth look at the most critical GSE types, their regulatory context, and their vital roles in modern aviation.

Image: Typical GSE fleet servicing multiple aircraft at a modern airport ramp.

Aircraft Maintenance Stand

An Aircraft Maintenance Stand is a robust, height-adjustable platform giving safe access for technicians to various aircraft parts during inspections, repairs, and cleaning. They feature guardrails, anti-slip surfaces, and mobility features for positioning around different aircraft types. Maintenance stands are built from lightweight, durable materials like aluminum or steel and may be fixed or mobile, sometimes using hydraulic or electric actuators for precise adjustment.

Compliance with ICAO Annex 14 and EASA Part-145 is mandatory, ensuring technician safety and protecting aircraft from accidental damage. Stands are essential for major inspections (such as C-checks), routine cleaning, painting, and assembly. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance of stands ensure continued safe operation.

Image: Technicians using a height-adjustable maintenance stand for engine inspection.

Anti-Collision System

Anti-Collision Systems on GSE are advanced sensor-based solutions (using ultrasonic, infrared, radar, or LiDAR) that prevent accidental contact between GSE, aircraft, infrastructure, or personnel. These systems are integrated into powered GSE like pushback tractors, belt loaders, and boarding bridges, providing proximity alarms, automatic braking, geo-fencing, and operator alerts.

Endorsed by ICAO and IATA, such systems are especially crucial around large aircraft where blind spots and tight clearances elevate collision risk. Regular calibration, functional checks, and operator training are essential for system reliability.

Image: Anti-collision sensors and cameras on a modern pushback tractor.

Baggage Cart

A Baggage Cart is a non-powered, wheeled vehicle for transporting luggage, cargo, mail, and unit load devices (ULDs) between terminals and aircraft. They offer weather-resistant construction, secure latching mechanisms, and solid or pneumatic tires for ramp use. Carts can be covered for weather protection and may include RFID tracking.

Baggage carts support rapid aircraft turnaround and are designed for easy loading/unloading to minimize ergonomic strain on ramp staff. Variants are available for specific cargo types, such as oversized items or temperature-sensitive goods.

Image: Multiple baggage carts being towed by a ramp tractor on an airport apron.

Belt Loader

A Belt Loader is a powered conveyor used to load and unload baggage, freight, and mail into the lower holds of aircraft. Featuring adjustable, reversible belts and variable height, belt loaders reduce manual handling and speed up the cargo process.

Safety interlocks, emergency stops, and anti-collision features are required by ICAO and IATA. Modern models use electric motors, ergonomic controls, and may include telematics for status monitoring.

Image: Belt loader positioned at the cargo hold of a narrowbody passenger aircraft.

Chocks

Chocks are wedge-shaped blocks placed against an aircraft’s wheels to prevent unintentional movement. They are used immediately after aircraft arrival and remain until pushback. Chocks are sized for specific aircraft and must be highly visible and easily handled.

Proper placement and regular inspection are critical, as damaged or misplaced chocks can cause aircraft rollaways. RFID-equipped chocks help with asset tracking and compliance.

Image: Brightly colored chocks securely positioned at a main landing gear wheel.

Container Loader (High Loader)

A Container Loader (or high loader) is a specialized powered vehicle for loading unit load devices (ULDs) into and out of widebody and freighter aircraft. These loaders provide precise height adjustment, load leveling, and powered rollers for smooth ULD transfer.

Equipped with safety interlocks, anti-collision sensors, and operator cabins, container loaders are essential for efficient cargo handling at hub airports. Electric and hybrid variants help reduce fuel use and emissions.

Image: Container loader aligning ULDs with the main deck cargo door of a widebody aircraft.

Deicing Vehicle

A Deicing Vehicle is a mobile platform with heated fluid tanks and extendable booms for removing or preventing ice and snow on aircraft. Using glycol-based fluids, these vehicles ensure critical surfaces remain ice-free for safe takeoff.

Modern deicers feature enclosed operator cabs, joystick controls, advanced sensors, and automated fluid mixing. Environmental management is essential, with airports required to recover and recycle glycol.

Image: Deicing vehicle applying heated fluid to the wing of a passenger aircraft before takeoff.

Dolly

A Dolly is a flatbed or low-sided wheeled platform used for transporting cargo, baggage, or ULDs across the apron. Dollies are towed in trains by ramp tractors and are designed for stability and high load capacity.

Specialized dollies may include lockable rollers for ULDs or mesh sides for baggage. RFID and barcode tracking systems are increasingly used for efficient cargo management.

Image: A line of cargo dollies transporting ULDs across the airside apron.

Electric GSE

Electric GSE includes ground support vehicles powered by rechargeable batteries, drastically reducing emissions, noise, and operational costs. These include electric GPUs, belt loaders, tugs, and buses, featuring high-efficiency motors, lithium-ion batteries, and regenerative braking.

Airports worldwide are transitioning fleets to electric GSE as part of sustainability programs, with measurable reductions in airside emissions and improved air quality.

Image: Electric baggage tractor connected to a charging station at an airport.

Fire and Rescue Vehicle (ARFF)

An Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle is a specialized emergency vehicle with high-capacity water/foam tanks, dry chemical extinguishers, rescue tools, and rapid acceleration for airfield response. ARFF vehicles comply with ICAO Annex 14, featuring roof and bumper cannons and thermal imaging for incident response.

Strategically stationed and regularly drilled, ARFF teams are crucial for airport certification and operational safety.

Image: ARFF vehicle deploying foam during a training scenario.

Ground Power Unit (GPU)

A Ground Power Unit (GPU) supplies external electrical power to parked aircraft, powering onboard systems without running engines or the APU. GPUs are available as mobile or fixed units, providing standardized voltages and frequencies.

Modern GPUs use diesel, electric, or hybrid power, with advanced models featuring diagnostics and remote monitoring. Proper procedures for connection/disconnection and regular safety checks are critical.

Image: Mobile GPU supplying power to a parked aircraft at an airport stand.

Hybrid GSE

Hybrid GSE combines internal combustion engines and electric battery systems to optimize performance, range, and environmental impact. Hybrid tugs, belt loaders, and high loaders switch between electric and engine power as needed, using regenerative braking for energy recovery.

Hybrid GSE serves as a transitional technology enabling airports to reduce emissions and noise while maintaining reliability, especially where charging infrastructure is limited.

Conclusion

Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is indispensable for the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of airports worldwide. From basic chocks to advanced electric and hybrid vehicles, GSE technology continues to evolve in response to regulatory, operational, and environmental demands. Well-maintained and properly operated GSE ensures not only the smooth flow of passengers and cargo but also the safety of aircraft, personnel, and the environment.

For more information or consultation on optimizing your airport’s GSE fleet, contact us or schedule a demo .