Hactl is advancing its autonomous GSE strategy to enhance operational efficiency and reduce labor dependency in cargo handling. CEO Wilson Kwong highlights the benefits of 24/7 operation, improved service stability, and reduced safety risks. While the technology is mature, challenges remain in automating specific ground tasks and ensuring compliance in aviation-restricted zones. Hactl continues to work towards a fully autonomous ramp operation, anticipating further technological advancements.

Despite post-pandemic budget constraints and global supply chain challenges, dnata Catering & Retail continues to invest in its catering truck replacement strategy, focusing on safety, efficiency, and new technologies. The company is upgrading its fleet with features like IoT-enabled telematics, 360-degree cameras, and compliance with IATA standards, while also implementing virtual reality training to enhance driver skills and operational safety. These efforts highlight dnata’s commitment to innovation and maintaining high standards in airline catering operations.

PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Inc. has acquired London-based Airbase GSE Ltd and Airbase GSE GmbH, significantly expanding its global repair and maintenance network. This acquisition enables PrimeFlight to extend its established GSE maintenance operations from North America into Europe, enhancing its capabilities in air cargo ULD repair and cabin maintenance services. Airbase GSE will continue to operate under its current brand during the integration process before transitioning to the PrimeFlight brand.

César González Fernández-Medina of Qatar Aviation Services emphasizes the unique characteristics of the Middle Eastern aviation market, which is shaped by large-scale transit hubs, heavy international connections, and a smaller role for low-cost airlines. As the region continues to expand, it contrasts sharply with the more mature, resource-constrained aviation sectors of the West. The Middle East’s rapid growth in airport infrastructure and demand reflects a dynamic future for aviation in this part of the world.

dnata has secured a seven-year ground handling license at Rome Fiumicino Airport and committed over €20 million to infrastructure and equipment upgrades, including a predominantly electric-powered ground service equipment fleet. This expansion nearly doubles dnata’s presence in Italy and enhances passenger and ground handling services, further strengthening its position in Europe.

Cebu Pacific has deployed 13 electric baggage tractors at NAIA to advance its sustainability goals and reduce carbon emissions. Partnering with New NAIA Infra Corp., the airline integrates eco-friendly technology into its ground operations. The TLD-supplied vehicles, equipped with lithium batteries and electric drivetrains, enhance efficiency while supporting the aviation sector’s 2050 net-zero emissions goal.

SF Airlines has honored WFS with its annual ‘Outstanding Partnership Award’ for exceptional cargo handling services at LAX and JFK. The award recognizes WFS’s reliability, safety compliance, and strong communication with SF Airlines. Since partnering in 2018, their collaboration has expanded across multiple global hubs, reinforcing SF Airlines’ international logistics strategy.

Delta Air Lines has been approved as the anchor tenant for Tampa International Airport’s upcoming $1.5 billion Airside D terminal, set to open in 2028. The agreement secures Delta’s long-term presence at TPA with at least six gates and a lounge. As TPA’s longest-serving domestic airline, Delta continues to expand its operations, including new nonstop routes. The 16-gate Airside D will enhance connectivity and passenger experience at one of Florida’s busiest airports.

IATA has updated key aviation manuals to align with industry regulations and best practices in cargo and ground operations. Changes include new classifications in Dangerous Goods and Battery Shipping Regulations, improved Live Animal transport standards, updated Airport Handling policies for contactless travel and unruly passengers, and enhanced Compassionate Transportation protocols for human and animal remains. The updates support digitalization, safety, and sustainability, with detailed reports available through IATA’s official channels.

Swissport has signed a five-year contract with Lufthansa Group to provide ground handling services at London Heathrow Airport. The agreement covers services for over 40 daily flights, including passenger handling, baggage management, and aircraft cleaning. Swissport is investing in new equipment to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

The New Terminal One at JFK Airport will feature the world’s first centralized all-electric ground support equipment (GSE) fleet, enhancing sustainability and efficiency. This initiative, part of JFK’s $19 billion transformation, reduces costs, optimizes usage, and creates local jobs, setting a new benchmark for the aviation industry.

The MHL10 Maintenance High Lift Truck, with its efficient high-lifting capabilities, eco-friendly electric drive system, strong load-bearing capacity, and outstanding safety design, has become an indispensable and highly efficient tool in many industrial settings. Whether in warehouse centers, manufacturing production lines, construction sites, or heavy machinery maintenance, the MHL10 provides excellent support for maintenance operations. It not only improves work efficiency and reduces the risk of manual operations but also effectively lowers equipment maintenance costs, making it an important asset for enhancing productivity and ensuring safety.

As industrial automation and intelligence continue to advance, the MHL10 series of equipment will play an increasingly important role, offering businesses more efficient and safer solutions for equipment maintenance.

Aurrigo International is leading the adoption of intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) to modernize airport ground operations. By integrating automation, data analytics, and sustainable technologies, Aurrigo's solutions, such as the Auto DollyTug and other autonomous systems, aim to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and address operational challenges like labor shortages. CEO Professor David Keene emphasizes that iGSE represents a smarter, greener, and more connected approach to airside operations, positioning the aviation industry for a more sustainable future​.

In December 2024, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and China’s Premier Li Qiang jointly inaugurated the New Gwadar International Airport, a $240 million project funded by China under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Positioned as a cornerstone of regional connectivity and economic transformation, the airport highlights the deep strategic partnership between the two nations. During the ceremony, both countries signed 13 agreements in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and education, further strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing shared development goals.

In a significant development, Damarel has been chosen by dnata Brazil to spearhead its digital transformation through the implementation of FiNDnet Enterprise, the latest edition of Damarel’s ground handling software suite.This marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Damarel a

A new report projects that the global airport ground handling market will grow at a CAGR of 9.7 per cent from 2024 to 2034.Market research company Visiongain valued the market at $37.2bn in a paper published last week.Forecasted to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of almost 10 per cent,

DHL Express, the world’s leading provider of international express shipping services, has unveiled its first, innovative mobile charging cart at the International Ground Support Equipment Expo in Las Vegas. DHL Express will be the first international express package carrier to implement mobile charg

Fuel generators at Schiphol are being replaced by 30 new electric Ground Power Units (e-GPUs), and the use of more electric systems that provide fresh air on board (PCAs) are being introduced, which are important steps towards emission-free ground handling at the airport.Aircraft parked at various p

The Latvian Hydrogen Association and Riga Airport are joining partners to promote the application of the hydrogen solution in the Latvian aviation industry by supporting the initiative of Hamburg Airport.Within the framework of the Interreg Baltic Sea Programme funding category “Green Mobility”, the

Upgrading the Airport Operational Database/Resource Management System (AODB/RMS),ADB SAFEGATE works closely with Shanghai Pudong International Airport to optimize resource allocation and improve operation efficiency.Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), ranking first among mainland China airp