Smarter GSE Demands Smarter Maintenance Strategies

As aviation operations grow more complex, the vehicles and machinery that keep aircraft moving on the ground are becoming smarter, more connected and increasingly electrified. With greater sophistication, however, comes greater operational responsibility, demanding new maintenance philosophies, deeper data literacy and a workforce equipped for the digital era. At the center of this shift is a critical question: How does an industry built on physical reliability adapt to a world of software, sensors and real-time analytics? David Fernandez, global head of fleet at Swissport, offers a front-row perspective on how the industry is navigating this transition and what it means for the future of ground operations.

Connected GSE creates new maintenance challenges

Ground support equipment (GSE) is evolving rapidly alongside the growing interconnectivity, electrification and operational complexity of the aviation industry, according to Fernandez.

“This transformation is not only changing the equipment itself, but also the way the industry thinks about performance, reliability, maintenance and cost efficiency in ground operations. Across the industry, GSE performance continues to rely on a well-established operational discipline, now increasingly supported by data and technology,” he says. “As equipment becomes more sophisticated, particularly with the growth of electric and connected fleets, day-to-day management is also becoming more complex.”

Today’s failure patterns are well understood and largely consistent, Fernandez says.

“Traditional mechanical wear and tear on high-usage components remains a major concern, as do battery and charging issues in electric equipment and performance or calibration issues related to sensors and safety systems,” he says. “At the same time, software stability and connectivity are becoming an integral part of the overall reliability picture. Most operational impacts are not caused by major failures, but by minor, localized issues that can affect performance if not identified promptly.”

That shift is changing the industry’s approach to inspections.

“While daily pre-use checks remain essential, a broader trend is emerging toward continuous, data-driven monitoring, which helps identify issues early and respond more effectively,” Fernandez says.

Predictive maintenance gains ground in aviation GSE

Predictive maintenance is no longer a futuristic concept, Fernandez says, but an increasingly practical tool in modern operating environments, particularly among digitally mature fleets.

“Using telematics and data analytics, operators gain a more immediate understanding of equipment condition and performance, improving both planning and availability,” he says. “What is proving most effective is not individual data, but the combination of technical and operational information.”

Fernandez says usage patterns, charging behavior, downtime, inspection results and defect trends provide a clearer understanding of how equipment is being used and how that usage translates into wear over time.

“With the continued modernization of fleets, particularly through electrification and increased connectivity, this more integrated approach to data is becoming essential for managing GSE,” he says. “The pace of adoption, however, varies across the industry, influenced by differences in fleet age, digital maturity and systems integration with original equipment manufacturers.”

Why electric GSE requires new technician skills

The evolution of GSE is also redefining the concept of maintenance itself, according to Fernandez.

“Beyond traditional mechanical expertise, the need for expertise in electronics, software systems, battery technologies and connected equipment diagnostics is growing,” he says. “This is reflected in the way organizations are developing their teams through more specialized training, closer collaboration with OEMs and airports, and stronger internal governance to ensure consistency across increasingly complex fleets.”

Regulation is evolving alongside the technology, with increased focus on battery safety, electrical systems, cybersecurity and automation.

“While frameworks are evolving in tandem with technology, continuous industry-wide alignment remains critical to support consistent and safe implementation,” Fernandez says.

Fernandez believes the broader direction of the industry is clear.

“GSE operations are becoming more connected, more electrified and more data-driven,” he says. “This is progressively changing the way reliability and ramp performance are managed, pushing the industry toward more informed and proactive decision-making.”

Data and electrification reshape ground operations

Across the industry, operators are increasingly focused on building the skill sets needed to support this transition, combining operational experience with digital tools and advanced analytics.

“The opportunity lies in combining these elements to support both operational resilience and the continued growth of global aviation,” Fernandez says.

GSE management is steadily moving away from reactive repair cycles and toward a continuous, intelligence-driven model where data, electrification and connectivity shape operational decisions before problems occur. The shift is not only technological. Teams must be retrained, regulatory frameworks updated and digital infrastructure expanded. The industry’s ability to combine decades of operational experience with emerging analytics capabilities will ultimately determine how effectively these increasingly sophisticated systems are implemented.