Global Airport Ground Handling Market Size Likely to Grow at a CAGR of 8.5% By 2033

As per the current market research conducted by CMI Team, the global Airport Ground Handling Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2032. In 2022, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 35.6 billion. By 2032, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 80.1 billion.

Airport Ground Handling Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

• Growing emphasis on safety and security: Safety and security are paramount in the aviation industry. Airport ground handling services play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with safety regulations, passenger screening, and baggage security checks. The increasing focus on safety and security measures drives the demand for efficient ground handling services.

• Increasing air travel demand: The steady growth in air travel globally is a key growth factor for the Airport Ground Handling Market. The rising number of passengers and flights necessitates efficient ground handling operations to ensure smooth and timely aircraft turnaround, baggage handling, and passenger services.

• Outsourcing of ground handling services: Many airlines and airports are outsourcing their ground handling services to specialized companies. This trend is driven by cost optimization, focus on core competencies, and the need for specialized expertise, which creates opportunities for ground handling service providers in the market.

• Technological advancements: Advancements in technology, such as automation, robotics, and digitalization, are transforming the Airport Ground Handling Market. Automation of baggage handling, use of self-check-in kiosks, and advanced tracking systems enhance operational efficiency, reduce human error, and improve overall service quality.

• Infrastructure development: The expansion and modernization of airports worldwide create opportunities for the Airport Ground Handling Market. New airports, terminal upgrades, and the addition of advanced facilities require efficient ground handling services to accommodate increased traffic and meet the demands of a growing aviation industry.

• Environmental sustainability: The aviation industry is increasingly focused on reducing its environmental footprint. Airport ground handling services are adopting sustainable practices, such as electric ground support equipment, biofuels, and waste management initiatives. This trend aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions and drives the adoption of sustainable ground handling practices in the market.

• Airline alliances and code-sharing agreements: The formation of airline alliances and code-sharing agreements between airlines stimulates the growth of the Airport Ground Handling Market. These partnerships require seamless coordination and collaboration in ground handling operations to ensure smooth transfer of passengers, baggage, and aircraft between different airlines, enhancing connectivity and optimizing operational efficiency.

• Increasing tourism and travel expenditure: The growth of the global tourism industry and rising travel expenditure contribute to the expansion of the Airport Ground Handling Market. As more people travel for leisure, business, and other purposes, airports experience increased passenger traffic and demand for ground handling services. This trend is particularly prominent in emerging economies where rising disposable incomes and improved transportation infrastructure fuel tourism growth and boost the demand for efficient ground handling operations.

Airport Ground Handling Market: Partnership and Acquisitions

• In 2019, Swissport International AG, one of the leading ground-handling service providers, formed a strategic partnership with Lufthansa Group. This partnership aimed to enhance ground handling services and operational efficiency at various airports worldwide. By combining their expertise and resources, Swissport and Lufthansa Group aimed to deliver seamless and high-quality ground handling solutions to their customers.

• In 2020, dnata, a global provider of air services, announced a partnership with Air Arabia, the Middle East’s leading low-cost carrier. This partnership focused on providing ground-handling services to Air Arabia at multiple airports in the United Arab Emirates and other countries. The collaboration aimed to streamline operations, improve service quality, and support Air Arabia’s expansion plans.

• In 2018, Swissport International AG acquired Aerocare, a leading ground-handling services provider in Australia and New Zealand. This acquisition enabled Swissport to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and expand its range of services, including passenger and ramp handling, baggage services, and aircraft cleaning.

• In 2019, Dnata acquired the ground handling operations of Airline Services and Contracts Limited (ASCL) in the United Kingdom. This acquisition allowed dnata to expand its footprint in the UK market and enhance its service capabilities in ground handling, cargo handling, and passenger handling at various airports across the country.

Report Scope

Airport Ground Handling Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the Airport Ground Handling Market, with the industry experiencing both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Decreased air travel demand: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in air travel as travel restrictions, lockdowns, and health concerns resulted in reduced passenger traffic. This directly impacted the Airport Ground Handling Market, with a decrease in the volume of flights, passengers, and cargo handled.

• Financial challenges for ground handling companies: The reduction in air travel demand and disruptions to airport operations caused financial challenges for ground handling companies. With decreased revenues and increased costs for safety measures, many companies faced financial difficulties and had to implement cost-cutting measures or seek government assistance.

• Gradual resumption of air travel: As vaccination efforts progress and travel restrictions ease, air travel is gradually resuming. The recovery of the Airport Ground Handling Market relies on the return of passenger confidence and an increase in flight frequencies and routes, leading to a gradual recovery in ground handling operations.

• Implementation of health and safety measures: To restore passenger confidence, airports and ground handling companies are implementing enhanced health and safety measures. These include increased sanitization, social distancing protocols, contactless processes, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring a safe and secure travel environment.

• Diversification of services: Ground handling companies are exploring new revenue streams and diversifying their services beyond traditional ground handling operations. This includes offering sanitization services, COVID-19 testing facilities, and logistics support for vaccine transportation, adapting to the changing needs of the industry and capturing new business opportunities.

• Collaborative efforts and partnerships: Industry stakeholders are collaborating to drive the recovery of the Airport Ground Handling Market. Airlines, airports, and ground handling companies are forming partnerships to streamline operations, share resources, and implement innovative solutions. This collaborative approach helps optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and promote a faster recovery of the ground handling sector.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the Airport Ground Handling Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic. Manufacturers and retailers need to remain agile and adapt to the changing market conditions to overcome these challenges and capitalize on new growth opportunities.

Competitive Landscape – Airport Ground Handling Market

• Swissport International AG
• Dnata
• Worldwide Flight Services (WFS)
• Menzies Aviation
• SATS Ltd.
• Aviapartner
• ASIG (BBA Aviation)
• AeroGround Flughafen München GmbH
• Celebi Aviation Holding
• DGS (Delta Global Services)
• Others

The Airport Ground Handling Market is segmented as follows:

By Service

• Passenger Handling
• Ramp Handling
• Cargo Handling
• Others

By Airport

• Domestic
• International

By Service Providers

• Independent
• Airlines and airports

By Region

North America

• The U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Germany
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• Australia
• South Korea
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America