Ground handling companies play a critical role in the aviation industry. They are responsible for providing a wide range of services, including marshalling, cleaning and baggage handling. These services are essential for the smooth functioning of airports and airlines. However, ground handling companies are currently facing a substantial number of challenges, especially regarding Ground Support Equipment (GSE). Sensus Aero, a new-gen software solution for the aviation industry, examines some of the problems that ground handling companies are facing with GSE.

Cost of GSE

One of the main challenges that ground handling companies are facing is the cost of acquiring and maintaining GSE. It can be very expensive, and companies often need to purchase large quantities of GSE to meet the demands of their customers. Additionally, the cost of maintaining GSE can be significant, due to the constant need for maintenance and repairs to keep them in good order.

Safety Concerns

Another significant challenge ground handling companies face is safety. GSE can be dangerous if not operated correctly. Just one incident can have a massive impact on a business, especially in terms of future insurance costs. Ground handling companies are responsible for the appropriate employee training and for keeping the equipment maintained to the highest standards. Failure to do so can result in accidents that can cause injury or even death.

Environmental Regulations

There is also pressure on ground handling companies to comply with environmental regulations. GSE can have a significant impact on the environment, as ground handling companies often still use old, poorly maintained equipment. Airports are introducing strict regulations to reduce CO2 and noise levels. In some cases, ground handling companies must comply with these regulations or face fines.

Competition

The aviation industry is highly competitive, and though each company may have its own strategy and good value proposition, they must also offer high-quality services at competitive prices. Many companies are finding it difficult to compete or to enter new markets, as larger companies have the advantage of resources and economies of scale.

Technological Advances

Another challenge facing ground handling companies is the issue of technological advances. New technologies are being constantly developed, which aim to improve the efficiency and safety of GSE. The major issue here is that these technologies can be expensive to implement, and so ground handling companies need to find a balance between investments and remaining competitive. Additionally, employees must be retrained, and in some cases processes changed, to utilize these new technologies efficiently.

Control

With larger quantities of GSE comes the challenge of how to efficiently control your entire fleet. Needless to say, maintaining this equipment is vital to ensure safe and efficient ground operations. Here are some ways in which software can help with GSE management:

• Automated Maintenance Scheduling can program maintenance tasks for GSE. This includes tracking when equipment is due to for routine maintenance, as well as scheduling preventative maintenance tasks to avoid equipment breakdowns. The software can also send alerts when maintenance is due, making sure that tasks don’t get overlooked or delayed.
• Work Order Management can be used to program GSE maintenance tasks. This involves tracking the status of work orders, assigning tasks to mechanics and monitoring progress. Work Order management helps to ensure that maintenance tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Inventory management can also be used to manage GSE inventory. This includes tracking the availability of spare parts and supplies, as well as usage levels. By doing so, maintenance teams can ensure that they have the necessary parts to complete maintenance tasks.
• Reporting, Analytics and BI can generate detailed reports and analytics on GSE maintenance. This includes equipment downtime, maintenance costs and asset utilization rate. This serves as a quick snapshot of where the organization stands and can be used to identify areas for improvement and process optimization.
• Checklist management will close the full cycle of maintenance, as it offers on-field checklist management for not only daily checklists, but also technical and pressure checklists too – all depending on the equipment type. In this way, users can concentrate more fully on checking the daily GSE health status and quickly identifying the issue. In addition, audits by third parties become easy and stress-free.
  There are now many challenges facing ground handlers regarding GCE. However, there are always techniques for managing your fleet and business efficiently. By automating maintenance scheduling, managing work orders, inventory and providing reporting and analytics, we are certain that we can reduce the number of these challenges while ensuring increased safety and easing the load on employees.

There are now many challenges facing ground handlers regarding GCE. However, there are always techniques for managing your fleet and business efficiently. By automating maintenance scheduling, managing work orders, inventory and providing reporting and analytics, we are certain that we can reduce the number of these challenges while ensuring increased safety and easing the load on employees.

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