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The Rise of Electric GSE (Ground Support Equipment) : Is Your MRO Ready?
- ADMIN
- Jun 30
- 5 min read
Overview: The aviation industry is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation—on the ground. As sustainability targets tighten and energy efficiency becomes a top priority, more MRO operations and OEMs are turning to electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) to modernize their test and maintenance capabilities.
According to industry data from IATA and ACI, approximately 34% of all GSE used at commercial airports globally was electric by the end of 2024, compared to 27% in 2023 and just 18% in 2022. Projections indicate that this number will continue to climb—reaching an estimated 42% in 2025 and potentially surpassing 50% by 2026 as more airports upgrade their fleets and governments increase pressure to reduce emissions. This growth reflects not only increasing regulatory pressure but also the maturity of electric alternatives—especially for test stands, power units, and nitrogen carts used in hangars.
But what does this shift mean for technicians, engineers, and buyers in the aircraft maintenance ecosystem?
This blog post explores the growing adoption of electric GSE in the aviation maintenance sector, highlighting its advantages, limitations, and the readiness checklist every MRO should consider.
Table of Contents
1. What Signals the New Era for Ground Support Equipment?
From hydraulic test stands to power units and nitrogen carts, the shift toward electric-powered maintenance systems is changing how MRO teams operate. This transition isn't just about emissions—it's about precision, efficiency, and long-term reliability. For aviation hubs in the Middle East and beyond, integrating electric GSE is becoming a strategic move in aligning with ICAO and IATA sustainability initiatives.
2. What Is Electric GSE and How Does It Work?
Electric Ground Support Equipment (eGSE) refers to maintenance equipment powered by batteries or hybrid-electric systems instead of internal combustion engines. These systems typically include:
Electric Hydraulic Test Stands (HTUs)
Battery-Powered Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs)
Electrically Driven Nitrogen & Oxygen Service Carts
Electric Cabin Pressure Testers and Pneumatic Units
The adoption of electric platforms supports emissions reduction and enhances equipment control and diagnostic accuracy.
3. Why Is the Industry Moving Toward Electric GSE?
Several forces are accelerating this shift:
Environmental mandates from aviation regulators and airport authorities
Lower lifecycle costs compared to fuel-driven equipment
Precision control enabled by electric motors and digital interfaces
OEM innovation delivering compact, efficient, and low-noise electric GSE
Electric test and servicing equipment are now essential tools in next-gen hangars and maintenance centers.
4. What Are the Key Types of Electric GSE for Maintenance?
Electric GSE for aviation maintenance includes:
Electric Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs): These units generate the hydraulic pressure necessary to operate aircraft systems on the ground—such as flaps, brakes, and landing gear—without starting the engines or using fuel-based power. Electric HPUs provide precise pressure control, reduce fluid contamination, and offer quieter, cleaner testing environments.
Electric Hydraulic Test Stands (HTUs): HTUs are used to simulate and measure aircraft hydraulic performance. Electric models enhance testing accuracy with programmable controls for flow, temperature, and pressure. They're ideal for functional and leak tests, while reducing energy consumption and eliminating emissions during prolonged ground checks.
Battery-Powered Nitrogen & Oxygen Carts: These mobile units are used for servicing aircraft tires, struts, and onboard oxygen systems. Electric drive systems and integrated compressors/boosters eliminate the need for manual handling or combustion-based air sources, improving efficiency and safety while enabling use indoors.
Electric Cabin Leakage and Pressure Testers: Essential for checking pressurization systems in aircraft fuselages, these testers ensure proper cabin sealing without relying on APUs. Electric models offer controlled airflow and precise monitoring—key to maintaining regulatory compliance with minimal environmental impact.
These tools offer precise performance while aligning with green aviation goals.
5. What Is the Role of eGPUs in Modern Aircraft Maintenance?
Electric Ground Power Units (eGPUs) are one of the most impactful innovations in modern MRO and ground support environments. These devices supply electrical power to aircraft while on the ground—supporting maintenance tasks, onboard system tests, lighting, cabin preparation, and avionics checks—all without relying on the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) or fuel-burning generators.
Why eGPUs Matter:
Zero Emissions: Unlike diesel GPUs, electric units produce no exhaust emissions, making them ideal for use in enclosed hangars or near terminal gates.
Noise Reduction: eGPUs operate significantly quieter than combustion-based units, supporting airport noise abatement policies and improving technician safety.
Lower Operating Costs: Studies have shown that eGPUs can reduce energy costs by up to 40% compared to traditional GPUs.
High Adoption Rate: According to IATA’s GSE electrification roadmap, eGPUs are among the fastest-growing categories of electric GSE, with adoption rates increasing by over 20% year-over-year at major international airports.
Battery Efficiency: Many eGPU units now include fast-charging lithium-ion systems and are designed to support a wide range of aircraft, from narrow-body to wide-body types.
As aircraft become more electrically complex, the demand for clean, reliable ground power is rising—and eGPUs are poised to become a new standard in MRO facilities worldwide.
For MRO teams, this translates to faster diagnostics, cleaner operations, and easier regulatory compliance.
6. What Challenges Should Be Considered Before Transitioning?
Power Supply Infrastructure: Maintenance hangars must be equipped for battery charging or power management
Upfront Investment: Electric units often require higher initial costs
Battery Performance: Needs to be validated for local temperature ranges and use cycles
Technician Training: Requires familiarization with high-voltage safety and new diagnostic tools
Transitioning to electric GSE requires planning, but the long-term benefits outweigh the initial hurdles.
7. Is Your MRO Ready for Electric GSE?
Before adopting electric GSE, ask the following:
Is our facility wired for charging electric test units?
Can our team service and calibrate electric HTUs and HPUs?
What are the environmental and operational benefits for our site?
Have we evaluated total cost of ownership versus diesel systems?
Do our OEMs support electric equipment integration and service?
This checklist ensures that your MRO is positioned to adopt and maintain electric GSE efficiently.
8. How Can You Prepare for the Future of Aircraft Maintenance?
Electric GSE isn’t just a trend—it’s the direction forward for modern aviation maintenance. As regulations tighten and reliability expectations increase, MROs that adopt electric hydraulic test units, nitrogen carts, and cabin pressure systems will be more competitive and sustainable.
Whether you’re upgrading a single test bench or transitioning your entire hangar, electric GSE can boost uptime, reduce costs, and strengthen environmental compliance.
Looking for next-generation electric GSE solutions? AVA AERO proudly supports maintenance teams with reliable, OEM-backed electric testing and service equipment. Contact us today to learn more.
Keywords:
Electric GSE
Aircraft maintenance
Hydraulic Test Stands (HTUs)
Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs)
Nitrogen and Oxygen Carts
Maintenance equipment
MRO operations
Aviation sustainability
Hangar operations
Battery-powered test equipment
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