Ground Power Unit (GPU) Market Size, Share & Growth [2031]

Report Description

The global ground power unit (GPU) market size was valued at USD 392.7 Million in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 893.9 Million by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 9.11% during the forecast period, 2023 – 2031. The growth of the market is attributed to the growing expansion of the air industry across the globe.

A ground power unit (GPU) is a device that provides electrical power to an aircraft while it is parked on the ground. This allows aircraft systems, such as air conditioning and lighting, to be powered without the engines running. GPUs are typically used at airports with aircraft parked at the gate or on the ramp; however, they are also used at other facilities such as military bases and private aircraft hangars.

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The different kind of GPUs includes diesel-powered and electric. When an aircraft is parked, a significant amount of electricity is needed for checking and conducting various operations. These operations include all control systems, flight instruments, navigational aid, communication equipment & devices, electrical motor-driven mechanisms, cockpit & cabin lighting system, and appliances in the onboard kitchen.

The engines of aircraft are not kept running, due to safety issues and fuel economy. Thus, an aircraft ground power unit (AGPU) delivers specified power through the use of a standard electrical system, battery pack, and gasoline, diesel, or small turbine engine to carry out the operations.

Ground power units’ aircraft comprises a wire harness for the battery with terminals and throttle control. It provides electric power to the components such as the rudder, lights, brakes, and flight instruments.

GPUs are highly reliable and provide exceptional electric performance for aircraft. These GPUs consist of a generator that works on a diesel engine. They are the best power supply equipment that provides power for starting aircraft engines and also for the maintenance of aircraft.

GPUs are classified on the basis of power sources. There are three types of GPUs; fuel or engine-powered AGPU, solid-state AGPU, and battery-powered AGPU. These GPUs reduce noise levels and pollution. It ensures the safety of people working on the ground and frees up the space for equipment.

The COVID-19 pandemic moderately impacted on the market. The ground power unit witnessed a downfall as the government imposed certain limitations on domestic and international travel. Individuals were more concerned regarding quarantine rules and hygiene, which hampered the global market.

During the post-pandemic, governments across the world started lifting the lockdown by allowing people to travel back for work in different countries. Thus, the demand for aircraft ground support equipment (AGPU) has increased during the post-pandemic, which boosted the market growth.

Ground Power Unit (GPU) Market Dynamics

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Ground Power Unit (GPU) Major Drivers

Rising demand for aircraft ground power units, due to the increasing number of air travelers, which is expected to boost the market in the coming years. Airports need ground power units to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are parked on the ground between flights.

GPUs allow the aircraft systems such as air conditioning, and communication to remain operational, ensuring the comfort and safety of the passengers. A large number of airports are being built and existing ones are being expanded with the growth of the airline industry, thus, increasing the demand for ground power units.

Strong post-pandemic recovery of the airline industry and aggressive hiring policies are key drivers for the GPU market. As the world begins to recover from the pandemic, the airline industry is also seeing a rebound, with more people traveling by air again. Airlines are adding more flights, with the strong pandemic growth, further fuelling the demand for aircraft ground power units.

Increasing demand for aircraft maintenance is anticipated to drive the GPU market. GPUs are used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground, allowing maintenance personnel to perform their work. As the demand for aircraft maintenance increases, the demand for GPUs also increases. Increasing air travel and the fleet age result in the frequent need for the maintenance and overhaul of aircraft, which increases the demand for ground power units.

Ground power units are used to provide electrical power to aircraft while they are parked at airports. The increasing number of cargos transported by air leads to growth in warehouse operations at airports.

Increased demand for air cargo to several planes parked at airports for a long period of time, increases the need for GPUs to provide power to these planes. The growing need for GPUs to support the increasing number of flights and aircraft at airports, is driving the market.

Existing Restraints

High operational expenditure on GPUs is likely to hamper the market growth in the coming years. Regular maintenance & repairs of these units are costly and adversely affect the aviation sector. Moreover, the operational cost of the GPUs is making it difficult for the aviation sector to purchase and maintain the units which restrain the growth of the ground power units market.

Increasing demand-supply gap is anticipated to hinder the ground power unit market during the forecast period, owing to the fluctuation in passenger traffic at airports. Unpredictability in demand makes it difficult for GPU manufacturers and suppliers to plan and meet the needs of their customers, which is likely to restrain the growth of the market.

Emerging Opportunities

Expanding tourism sector and a growing number of flights are key opportunities in the ground power unit (GPU) market. The number of flights and passenger traffic at airports increases as people are travelling for leisure and business.

The need for GPU units is high at airports in tourist destinations to support the increasing number of flights and passengers. Furthermore, an increasing number of airlines are entering the market and expanding their routes, which boosts the need for GPU units to provide power to parked aircraft.

The shift towards sustainable & environmentally-friendly power sources offer an immense growth opportunity for manufacturers to develop sustainable products to meet the growing demand for such technologies.

Government regulations and policies to reduce carbon emissions drive the adoption of environmentally-friendly GPU units. Airports and airlines are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their negative environmental impact and meet their emissions goals.

Scope of Ground Power Unit (GPU) Market Report

The report on the ground power unit market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Ground Power Unit (GPU) Market Segment Insights

Based on type, the ground power unit (GPU) market is bifurcated into mobile and fixed. The fixed segment is further segregated into bridge-mounted, pit system, and apron mounted.

The mobile segment is anticipated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period, owing to the increasing demand for portable units that are easily transported and used at different locations. A growing number of flights and aircraft at airports and remote locations boost the segment’s growth.

The bridge-mounted segment held a major market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at a rapid pace, due to its widespread use in providing power to aircraft while they are parked at airports. The segment growth is further attributed to the cost-effectiveness and versatility of bridge-mounted GPU and the increasing number of flights and aircraft at airports.

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On the basis of power sources, the market is divided into gasoline, electric, and hybrid. The gasoline segment is expected to expand at a considerable CAGR in the coming years, as gasoline-powered GPUs are generally less expensive to purchase and operate than diesel-powered units. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious airlines and airports.

The electric segment held a large share in 2021, due to the increasing number of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. The demand for electric GPUs is expected to increase during the projected period, due to the growing requirement of high electrical power. On the other hand, the hybrid segment is expected to grow at a high CAGR, owing to the increasing demand for hybrid GPU systems. This system combines the benefits of traditional diesel engine-based GPU systems with alternative energy sources such as solar power.

In terms of application, the market is classified as civil aircraft, business aircraft, and military aircraft. The civil aircraft segment is projected to hold a major share of the market during the assessment period. This is primarily attributed to the increasing number of commercial flights and the growing demand from customers. However, the business aircraft segment is expected to register a robust growth rate, due to the increasing disposable income of the business owners, rising globalization, and the need for businesses to expand their operations to different locations.

The military aircraft segment is anticipated to grow at a significant growth rate in the coming years. This growth is attributed to the increasing global defense spending and the need for advanced military technology for national security & territorial defense. Military aircraft are often parked for longer periods of time, which increases the need for ground power units.

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Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global ground power unit (GPU) market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The Asia Pacific accounted for a large market share in 2021 and is expected to grow at a high CAGR during the projection period. Increasing demand for Air travel among growing economies like China, India, and other nations is likely to accelerate the regional market growth.

North America is one of the fastest-growing regions. The rise is mainly due to robust infrastructure in the region like US and Canada. Also, Air travel is quite prevalent among common consumers. Latin America is also growing at a significant growth rate, due to the increasing middle class and rising disposable income among consumers.

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