David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc – a global leader in smart airside solutions – has issued a urgent call to aviation industry stakeholders, urging them to embrace technological innovation and accelerate the evolution of ground support equipment (GSE) across the sector.
At the core of Professor Keene’s appeal is a new operational paradigm he has termed "iGSE" – short for intelligent Ground Support Equipment. This visionary concept encapsulates a suite of advanced, interconnected technologies tailored to boost operational performance and streamline the full spectrum of airside activities, from aircraft servicing to cargo handling.
Keene stressed that adopting smart airside solutions underpinned by iGSE is not just a competitive advantage, but a strategic necessity. "The aviation landscape today demands that we elevate our capabilities," he noted. "As we enter a new era of airside operations, harnessing advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability is no longer optional – it’s imperative."
The tangible benefits of this shift, he explained, are multifaceted: reduced aircraft turnaround times, improved operational reliability, and a significant reduction in the industry’s environmental footprint. These outcomes align with both airline cost-saving priorities and global efforts to decarbonize aviation – a dual imperative driving industry change.
To illustrate how iGSE can reshape ground support, Keene outlined three key areas where the paradigm will deliver transformative impact:
Automation: Deploying automated systems to minimize human error, speed up repetitive tasks, and maintain consistent operational performance even during peak demand.
Data Analytics: Leveraging real-time airside data to optimize resource allocation – from staffing to equipment deployment – and enable data-driven decision-making that reduces waste and improves responsiveness.
Sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly technologies (such as electric-powered equipment) and practices into ground support workflows to cut emissions and align with global aviation sustainability targets.
"iGSE isn’t just about new tools – it’s about building a more connected, efficient ground handling ecosystem that can keep pace with the demands of modern air travel," Keene emphasized. "This transition will redefine how we deliver value to airlines, passengers, and the planet alike."
In closing, he issued a rallying cry to industry players: "This is a transformative moment for ground support. The future belongs to those who lead the charge in reimagining ground handling – so who will be the first to embrace the iGSE revolution?"