Preparing the Ramp: How Airports Are Planning for Next-Gen Ground Support and Airfield Equipment

Airports are rethinking ramp operations as electric, automated, and connected ground support equipment becomes the industry standard. Learn how forward-thinking facilities are redesigning infrastructure and planning strategies to meet the next generation of airside demands.

Joe Petrie

Aug. 31, 2025

Key Highlights

Airports are installing high-capacity charging infrastructure at gates to support electric ground support equipment.
Redesigning staging zones to accommodate heavier, electric-powered vehicles for improved safety and efficiency.
Aligning fleet transition plans with tenants and service providers to ensure seamless adoption of new technologies.
Integrating GSE strategies into airport master plans to future-proof operations and sustainability goals.
The shift to electric and autonomous vehicles requires coordinated investments and infrastructure readiness for long-term success.

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As electrification, automation, and digital connectivity reshape the aviation industry, the ramp is becoming a focal point for long-term airport planning. In this episode of The Big Picture, we explore how airports are preparing for the next generation of ground support equipment (GSE) and airfield vehicles — from electric tugs and autonomous baggage carts to telematics-enabled snow removal fleets.

You’ll discover how leading airports are:

Installing high-capacity charging infrastructure at gates
Redesigning staging zones for heavier, electric-powered vehicles
Aligning fleet transition plans with tenants and service providers
Integrating GSE strategies into airport master plans

Whether your priority is sustainability, operational efficiency, or meeting airline expectations, the shift to next-gen airside equipment will require coordinated investment and infrastructure readiness.

Watch now to see how the airports getting ahead today will be the ones ready for tomorrow’s ramp.

About the Author

Joe Petrie

Editor & Chief

Joe Petrie is the Editorial Director for the Endeavor Aviation Group.

Joe has spent the past 20 years writing about the most cutting-edge topics related to transportation and policy in a variety of sectors with an emphasis on transportation issues for the past 15 years.

Contact: Joe Petrie

Editor & Chief | Airport Business

[email protected]

+1-920-568-8399

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