reports

Decarbonising Airside Operations

Aviation’s climate response is at a pivotal moment, with airside operations, particularly Ground Support Equipment (GSE), offering a tangible opportunity to drive progress toward net zero.

December 17, 2025

While GSE accounts for typically less than 10% of total airport emissions, its concentrated operational footprint and readiness for new propulsion technologies make it a uniquely actionable lever for decarbonisation. This report, developed for stakeholders across the UK aviation ecosystem, provides a comprehensive evaluation of the technological, operational, and regulatory landscape shaping the future of airside emissions reduction.

The analysis begins with a broad overview of the UK’s GSE market, highlighting its competitive structure and the flexibility afforded by multiple handling agents and predominantly private airport ownership. While this diversity encourages innovation, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and constrained investment in low-emission equipment continue to persist. The report draws on extensive secondary research and stakeholder interviews to map both near-term and long-term opportunities for electrification, hydrogen, and complementary solutions.

Electrification has rapidly matured, with battery-electric GSE now deployed across most UK airports. Its benefits, including lower emissions and reduced noise, are compelling, especially for low-power applications. However, grid capacity constraints and space limitations mean electrification alone cannot address all operational needs. To bridge these gaps, hydrogen emerges as a vital complement, offering rapid refuelling and extended range for high-duty, mission-critical equipment, while also future-proofing airports for the anticipated rise of hydrogen-powered flight. Beyond propulsion, the report also explores automation, telematics, and sustainable taxiing as additional pathways to decarbonisation. These solutions enhance operational efficiency and resilience, supporting broader net zero strategies.

Recommendations:

Airports and operators should pursue parallel investment in both electrification and hydrogen, tailored to asset type and operational context.
Coordinated infrastructure planning, stakeholder collaboration, and regulatory alignment are essential to accelerate adoption.
Demonstration projects and industry-wide information sharing will build operational expertise and confidence.
Complementary measures such as automation and telematics should be integrated to maximise impact.

By embracing both electrification and hydrogen pathways, UK airports can lead the way in sustainable aviation, positioning themselves as pioneers in both carbon reduction and the infrastructure needed for tomorrow’s net zero flight.