Anti-collision Equipment Needed To Cut Ground Support Damage

IATA says a transition to anti-collision ground support equipment will reduce damage repair costs for airlines and also improve safety and sustainability.

A Singapore Airlines widebody airliner on the ground at London Heathrow Airport. — According to IATA, new anti-collision ground support equipment would reduce the cost of damage caused to aircraft. (Image: London Heathrow Airport)

By Cathy Buyck • Contributor - Europe

December 12, 2022

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling for the widespread deployment of enhanced ground support equipment (GSE) that uses anti-collision technology to improve safety and contain the cost of ground damage involving GSE. Without the transition to enhanced GSE, the yearly bill for aircraft damage occurring during ground handling operations on the apron would double over the next 15 years, to $9.7 billion, according to an analysis by IATA.

Speaking during the trade body’s recent global media days in Geneva, Nick Careen, IATA senior v-p of operations, safety, and security, described the transition to enhanced GSE as a “no-brainer.” According to IATA, the technology exists and pilot projects with GSE equipped with advanced sensors and auto-navigating systems have shown it improves vehicle control and increases docking accuracy. “We have proven technology that can improve safety,” he said. “And with the cost of ground damage growing across the industry, there is a clear business case supporting early adoption.”

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