Overview:

The Korea aircraft ground support equipment sector is anticipated to reach a value of approximately USD 124.52 million in 2025. Predictions indicate consistent upward trajectory, with projections showing the market expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% over the next decade, forecasting a market size of around USD 220.9 million by the year 2035.

In 2024, the market demonstrated solid performance, driven primarily by expanding air travel volumes, ongoing initiatives to modernize airport infrastructure, and a discernible shift towards adopting environmentally friendly ground support solutions, propelled by stricter environmental mandates aimed at reducing emissions.

Key regions contributing significantly to this industry expansion include the southern and southwestern provinces, beneficiaries of notable investments in airport facilities and targeted government policies promoting sustainable aviation practices. The burgeoning expansion of e-commerce activities has also invigorated demand for specialized freight handling apparatus.

Looking ahead to 2025 and the subsequent years, continued growth is expected to maintain a steady pace, supported by a forecast CAGR of 5.9%. A prominent trend is the increasing integration of automation, particularly through artificial intelligence (AI) within ground support operations, aiming to optimize efficiency and accelerate turnaround times. Furthermore, the planned expansion of airline fleets within Korea is set to necessitate more sophisticated ground support capabilities.

Anticipated to exceed USD 220.9 million by 2035, the industry outlook points toward significant capital directed towards developing and implementing next-generation ground support technologies. This aligns with regulatory frameworks designed to foster a more integrated and advanced operational environment within Korean airports.

A recent market study involving major stakeholders, including airport management, equipment manufacturers, and airline operators, underscored a significant market pivot towards electric and hybrid ground support equipment. This move is heavily influenced by regulations to curb carbon emissions and decrease reliance on fossil fuels, with over sixty percent of participants indicating intentions to invest in greener equipment within the next half-decade. Nevertheless, the substantial initial investment required and limitations in existing infrastructure present considerable challenges to widespread adoption.

stakeholders also highlighted the critical importance of operational efficiency, emphasizing the adoption of automated systems and data-driven maintenance strategies. AI-enhanced fleet management solutions are gaining traction across Korean aviation, reflecting a desire to improve turnaround efficiency and minimize equipment downtime. This trend is part of a broader industry movement toward predictive maintenance, utilizing live data analytics to boost reliability and operational continuity.

Additionally, there was a expressed interest among participants in standardizing technological implementations across various airports to guarantee seamless functionality and compatibility of ground support tools. The survey further identified a notable increase in the demand for specialized ground support equipment required to support expanded cargo operations. More than fifty-five percent of stakeholders anticipate a significant year-over-year increase in the need for cutting-edge cargo handling technology, including high-capacity transportation units and automated systems for managing baggage, driven by sustained growth in e-commerce and international commerce.

Concerns were also raised regarding the reliance on imported machinery, highlighting the need for government incentives to bolster local manufacturing capabilities for ground support equipment.