The latest 36 th IATA Ground Handling Conference (IGHC) focused on the integration of more
sustainable practices into all aspects of ground handling operations. One way to drive more
effective sustainability improvements in the ground handling sector is the enhanced Ground
Service Equipment (GSE) and transition to electric GSE. But what other advantages do these
innovations bring?

The aviation industry, seeking a more sustainable future and more efficient procedures, is
constantly investing in advanced technologies, adapting them to various fields, such as
aircraft maintenance, training, flight operations, safety systems, air traffic management, and
GSE.

The green aviation strategy represents modern technologies, reducing the environmental
impact of air travel, aiming to lower carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency. This
includes electrification of GSE, helping to cut down emissions and improve the workplace by
reducing noise and pollutants. For instance, electric GSE, compared to traditional fuel-
powered GSE, can lower noise levels with a reduction ranging from 5.5 to 8.3 dB(A).

One of the enhanced technologies examples, combining the achievement of sustainability
goals and improving the efficiency of processes, is aircraft washing robots like Nordic Dino.
It is a computerised and self-contained system, built for washing and cleaning aircraft
exteriors.

“This innovative robot can help to reduce aircraft exterior cleaning times by up to 80%, it
also reduces the number of required staff and minimises the use of water and detergent on
every wash,” notes Veronika Andrianovaite, the Chief Commercial Officer of Nordic Dino
Robotics AB.

This type of robot can be equipped with electric motors, which reduces environmental
impact even more. IATA has projected that transitioning the pre-COVID GSE fleet to electric-
powered equipment could reduce GSE-related CO2 emissions by a significant 1.8 million
tonnes per year.

Pristine aircraft exterior embodies efficiency, safety, and excellence, benefiting from
improved fuel efficiency, which is vital for sustainability, longer-lasting paint, and reduced
corrosion risks. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift from the manufacturers’
side regarding the maintenance of aircraft exteriors, including stricter requirements for
carriers, and more detailed inspections.

“Specialised robots, like Nordic Dino, are designed to efficiently clean the aircraft’s exterior,
eliminating the need for manual labour-intensive washing procedures. Using manual washing methods, to clean a wide-body aircraft takes between 8 and 10 hours. With the
computerised robot, this process is shortened to just 3 to 4 hours, which allows more
efficient use of ground time,” explains Veronika Andrianovaite.

Speaking of reduced delays and improved aircraft utilisation, the innovations of GSE are
especially important. This includes not only robotic aircraft washers but also automated
tugs, and high-speed refuelling systems, helping to minimise aircraft turnaround time and
streamline operations.

Automated and semi-autonomous GSE can also reduce human error and increase safety. It
can lower the risk of accidents, aircraft damage, and injuries, leading to safer operations.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), enhanced GSE, such as
electric or hybrid-powered tugs, high-tech cargo loaders or automated baggage handling
systems, holds the potential to reduce ground damage costs by 42% while concurrently
creating a safer working environment.

Moreover, enhanced GSE can be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology and
artificial intelligence (AI), which provide real-time data on equipment usage, predictive
maintenance, and operational performance. The delivered information improves decision-
making and reduces downtime.

The innovative GSE is a major step towards greener aviation and more efficient solutions,
helping the industry achieve sustainability and high-impact performance goals more quickly.