The term ‘Ground Handling Equipment’, also known as ‘Ground Support Equipment’ (GSE), describes the range of tools and devices used to service aircraft while it’s on the ground. These can be simple devices, such as aircraft jacks, or more complex ones, including ground power units, loading equipment and other equipment.

Below is an in-depth look at ground handling, ground handling equipment and health and safety issues when working with air cargo and GSE. We’ll also look at the role of GSE in air cargo operations and discuss how our own systems and other equipment can support ground handling teams, air freight carriers and other logistics personnel who work with air cargo at airports.

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what is ground handling?

Ground handling is a broad term for a wide set of activities that can be performed in corporate, regional, short-haul operations or long-haul ones. These can be for passenger or cargo flights, and contractors or in-house teams can execute them. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the following activities comprise ground handling:

  • ground administration and supervision
  • passenger handling
  • baggage handling
  • freight and mail handling
  • ramp handling
  • fuel and oil handling
  • aircraft services and maintenance
  • flight operations and crew administration
  • surface transport
  • catering

GSE equipment plays a critical role in helping airport ground operations run safely and efficiently. Design and functionality make a massive contribution to GSE’s impact on the safety and efficiency of ground handling operations.

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how does GSE contribute to airport efficiency?

Airports would function a lot more slowly without ground support equipment. Aircraft tugs and taxis, for instance, streamline the aircrafts’ movement on the ground and reduce the need for engine taxis, which lowers fuel consumption.

Ground power units and air start units, meanwhile, support the aircraft by supplying air pressure and electrical power while they’re parked. Refuelling trucks and hydrant systems ensure a safer, more efficient delivery of fuel, which allows planes to stick to flight schedules and operations to run efficiently.

In colder climates, de-icing equipment helps aircraft to deal with adverse weather conditions and minimises delays and cancellations. Maintenance support equipment helps engineers and other ground support staff to inspect the aircraft, correct issues quickly and minimise the chances of problems occurring during the flight.

Importantly, GSE lends a massive boost to loading and unloading of cargo. Systems specifically designed for the purposes, such as some of the ones we offer at Joloda Hydraroll, have a powerful impact on process efficiency. This is especially the case for air cargo handling operations, which often involves processing significant amounts of cargo. Not only is the GSE efficient, but it also allows ground handling staff to load and unload air cargo safely.

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the role of aviation ground support for airports and aircraft

GSE plays a huge role in supporting airports and aircraft. Basically, it’s there to support the aircraft in achieving its purpose and mission, and keep operations flowing smoothly and on time. GSE’s other vital purpose is to allow air cargo operations and ground handling teams to operate safely when working with air cargo.

Aircraft handling and movement

This is one of GSE’s primary functions. Airports cover acres and acres of space. When an aeroplane is down, the taxis’ job is to move the aircraft using an aircraft tow tractor.

Commercial airports today rely on aircraft tow tractors for every single flight. The aircraft tow tractors must push the aircraft from the jetway back to the taxiway for the rest of the pre-flight sequence. A lot of airports are designed this way to optimise space and efficiency.

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Passenger and cargo handling

Often, hub airport terminals use jetways for loading passengers, but small regional aircraft can’t always do this and must load up directly from the apron. Smaller, regional airports also don’t have jetways, when major airlines land at them, either, normally. The airport will then use airstairs for passengers to board and disembark safely.

Meanwhile, cargo handling is a major part of operation in airports. They have lots of different tools to do this efficiently.

Maintenance and Servicing of Aircrafts

Servicing jets and maintaining them is important and requires specialised equipment. GSE in this area combines powered and nonpowered equipment. Maintenance stands are the most common form for maintaining and servicing aircrafts, but there are stands for a wide variety of jobs.

Ground power units (GPU) are the most common type of powered GSE and are used every time a jet is powered on for either maintenance or loading. Electricity is life for the jet.

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benefits of aircraft ground support equipment for the aviation industry

Without aircraft ground support equipment, the aviation industry wouldn’t function as smoothly as it does. Ground support equipment keeps things moving. Here’s how GSE improves ground handling efficiency:

Faster aircraft turnaround

GSE allows teams to prepare aircraft more quickly for the next journey, whether that’s loading the aircraft with cargo, performing maintenance, conducting checks or other operations. The equipment reduces downtimes, which is crucial in the logistics world, where businesses are anxious to get products out to their customers as soon as possible.

Safety

Safety is a top priority in any logistics operation. GSE not only helps airports run efficiently but also safely. Remote-controlled equipment and automated equipment allows operators to either conduct a specific air cargo-related operation from a distance or removes them from the process altogether. Loading and unloading equipment minimises the potential for accidents by dealing with heavy or bulky cargo that is difficult and dangerous to move.

Precision

The use of GSE, especially automated GSE, leaves much less room for error. Loading systems remove humans from the equation and allow logistics teams to make better use of space and load everything with more precision. Other GSE enables ground teams to perform their tasks with much more precision.


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streamline your air cargo unloading with Joloda Air Cargo Equipment

Our Air Cargo Equipment lends air cargo operations teams and freight forwarders a massive hand in unloading air cargo safely and swiftly.

Our Powered Rollerbeds take care of all the heavy lifting and allow teams to process more cargo in a short space of time.

The benefits don’t stop there, though. Not only can teams unload cargo more quickly; they can also do it more carefully, without sacrificing speed. The precise nature of unloading with our systems enables air cargo operations teams and freight forwarders to remove goods from trucks and aircraft without damaging it.

Our automated systems also only need one person to operate them, freeing up logistics employees for other duties while on the ground


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health and safety in cargo handling

Health and safety is the number one priority when it comes to cargo handling, and stakeholders must follow a variety of safety and security rules regulations, and implement lots of different health and safety practices to ensure safe handling and transportation. Failure to do so can create all manner of problems, from accidents, injuries and even fatalities, to shipment delays, cancellations and customer dissatisfaction.

Key regulations governing safety and security

To ensure air cargo is handled and shipped safely and securely, air cargo operations must comply with a wide range of regulations. Here are some of the main ones:

EU regulations

The European Union (EU) has created regulations that mandate security measures for air cargo. The regulations create a framework for making sure air cargo operations in the EU are secure. Cargo must be screened or come from known consignors who have received security vetting.

IATA guidelines

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) provides clear guidelines for packaging, labelling, documentation, training and cargo handling. To make operations efficient and safe, operators must comply with these.

Hazardous materials regulations

Understandably, there are vast amounts of international and national regulations around hazardous materials transportation. When cargo includes hazardous materials, it must comply with IATA and local regulations specifying requirements around packaging, labelling and documentation for safe transportation.

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Air waybill requirements

The air waybill is a crucial document in air cargo transportation. It functions as a contract between the carrier and the shipper. The AWB contains information about the goods, the size, the dimensions, payment, the shipper, the consignee, the carrier and more.

General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

Companies dealing with the EU must comply with GDPR when handling personal data and sensitive information. Air cargo companies must make sure they collect data lawfully, transparently and securely.

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keeping teams safe with Joloda Hydraroll’s air cargo and ground handling equipment

Our air cargo ground handling systems allow you to perform cargo handling tasks with the utmost safety. The systems take care of the heavy lifting loading and unloading involves, and minimise the use of forklift trucks in loading and unloading processes. Rather than entering truck trailers or the aircraft cargo compartment, forklifts merely place the goods on the system, which then transfers the cargo to or from the aircraft or trailer.

The automated nature of several of our systems also preserves the safety of the logistics team. Often, only one person is necessary to operate the system, and they can control loading or unloading from a distance. This removes them and other logistics team members from many potential loading and unloading hazards.


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ensuring health and safety in air cargo operations: best practices

Various international and national regulations govern air cargo operations, and operators must comply with them all. These include legislation from the IATA and, in the UK, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which works in conjunction with Britain’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Observing health and safety practices during air cargo operations is paramount. Ground handling teams and other logistics personnel are working with machinery and bulky goods or heavy ones, or both. While doing so, they’re expected to work at speed to keep operations on schedule, which may trigger corner cutting or lack of care and attention and result in injuries or even death. Below are some best practices for maintaining health and safety during air cargo operations.

Implement an Extensive Health and Safety Programme

A fundamental health and safety rule in air cargo operations and air freight forwarding is to implement comprehensive training programmes that teach workers all the health and safety hazards in their workplace. This equips them with the skills and knowledge to manage goods and machinery safely, and can help employers reduce illnesses, accidents and even fatalities.

The training should cover all aspects of the business that pose a risk to employees’ health. Workers should always receive the training at the start of their employment, but it’s important to offer refresher programmes regularly to keep them up to date.

Handle Dangerous or Hazardous Items Correctly

Some items need special handling. Companies must follow specific ethical rules and regulations for handling goods that are toxic and make sure employees follow them.

The company must make sure employees know how to store and transport dangerous materials. They must follow any national air freight industry guidelines or international ones. Often, when shipping dangerous materials by air, employees who have expert hazmat qualifications must do this. This means they have received full training on the identification and classification of dangerous goods, correct packaging, correct labelling, handling and completing dangerous goods declaration (DGD) paperwork.

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Use personal protective equipment

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential for workplace safety. Due to the nature of logistics work, which can require handling dangerous equipment and toxic substances, not a penny is wasted when it comes to spending on PPE. The higher the PPE’s quality, the better.

Review safety policies regularly and update them

Health and safety policies should be reviewed regularly so that they’re up to date and cover all aspects of health and safety. Companies must make sure their policies respond to health and safety risks, which change often. They should review their policies whenever:

  • major changes have occurred within the organisation;
  • key changes in personnel take place;
  • there are changes in guidance;
  • if health and safety risk monitoring suggests health and safety
  • regulations are ineffective.

Encourage a Culture of Reporting

To stop incidents and accidents before they even occur, companies need a reporting culture where employees feel comfortable reporting on health and safety-related matters Assure employees of confidentiality and nonretaliation to foster a culture of reporting.

Follow up any reports of health and safety issues and provide timely feedback. This motivates them to keep reporting any concerns and assures them that their reports matter.

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what to look for in ground handling equipment manufacturers

When looking for Ground Handling Equipment, there are several qualities you should be looking for in the level of service and the equipment they produce:

  • specialisation
  • versatility
  • technical support
  • parts
  • manufacturer’s reputation
  • warranty

We discuss this in more depth over on our Ground Support Equipment page.


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why choose us?

We help businesses lighten loads and are highly regarded as the world's leading loading and unloading solutions provider in the logistics industry. Over the last 60 years, we've helped thousands of businesses streamline their logistics operations to be more cost-efficient, more sustainable, and more health and safety-conscious. Learn more About Us, here.

We’re experts in supporting air cargo logistics teams and offer a variety of loading equipment to lighten the load on ground handling and air cargo operations teams. You may have even caught us at Air Cargo Europe 2025.

Get in touch with our experts today to learn how we can provide a safe working environment, call our friendly team on +44 (0) 151 427 8954, on our Let's Chat page, via email on sales@joloda.com or on LinkedIn...

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GSE solutions for ground handlers and air cargo operations

Powered Rollerbed

The Powered Rollerbed is a highly reliable system designed for dealing with large, heavy volumes of air cargo, and it does so with minimal effort. The design makes it easy to expand in line with operational needs, and the side guides offer easy alignment of pallets, ULDs and other cargo. The gives the operator great control, and is low maintenance, so there’s less downtime between operations.


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Truck Dock (20FT)

truck docks

Truck Dock Systems are advanced cargo handling solutions that streamline the transfer of goods between trucks, warehouses and vehicles. These systems optimise workflows by reducing manual handling, ensuring precise alignment and improving efficiency in high-demand logistics and air cargo environments.


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dolly docks

Dolly Dock Systems are advanced cargo handling solutions that streamline the transfer of ULDs and pallets between dollies, warehouses and vehicles. This aircraft handling equipment optimises workflows by reducing manual handling, ensuring precise alignment, and improving efficiency in high-demand logistics and air cargo environments.


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4 Way Mobile Scissor Lift Render

scissor lifts

Scissor Lifts are versatile, highly functional cargo handling systems designed to lift, align and transfer heavy loads with ease. These systems combine hydraulic scissor lift mechanisms with mobile functionality, making them ideal for operations requiring flexibility and precision.


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slave pallets

Slave Pallets (also known as Mobile Work Stations) are cargo handling platforms that streamline the movement, storage and transport of unit load devices (ULDs) in air cargo and logistics operations. These heavy-duty pallets enable efficient handling of air cargo containers in airport environments using forklifts, reducing the need for complex machinery while improving workflow efficiency.


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pallet mover

The Pallet Mover is an efficient, robust solution for smoothly transferring and moving heavy pallets, unit load devices (ULDs), and other large cargo items around a warehouse. This equipment is engineered for precision and durability, and is a versatile, reliable way to handle and manoeuvre cargo across various environments, from warehouses to logistics hubs.


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the benefits of our ground support equipment

Investing in ground support equipment requires significant investment. This is especially the case with our systems; however, the efficiency these systems lend to cargo handling, and the reduction of costs they enable, allow you to recover your investment with a fast ROI. 

To recap the benefits of our ground support equipment, these are:

  • more efficient loading and unloading, which speeds up turnaround times;
  • safer loading and unloading because of the lower level of manual labour required;
  • cost reduction, due to lesser reliance on traditional pieces of equipment;
  • absence of damage to aircraft or to goods because of the precision and efficiency of the loading systems when loading, and of the less reliance of forklift trucks to transport cargo to and from trucks to the plane, and vice versa;
  • reduced downtime between operations;
  • durability: our equipment is built to withstand the demands of air cargo operations and logistics;
  • versatility: our GSE is highly compatible with lots of different pallets, ULDs and other cargo, and with lots of other equipment, again reducing traditional equipment costs.

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case study

Schiphol Express optimises air cargo handling operations

By installing Joloda Air Cargo Handling Equipment’s Truck Dock and Powered Rollerbed system, Schiphol Express has optimised its air cargo handling operations. This solution has streamlined workflows, improved efficiency, and reduced operational costs, reinforcing Schiphol Express’s position as a leader in air cargo logistics.

In this case study, we explore the details of this installation: introducing the client, outlining their challenges, presenting the proposed solution and system features, highlighting the benefits of implementation, and gathering feedback from Schiphol Express.


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our aircraft ground support equipment servicing

As a trusted ground support equipment manufacturer, aftercare is just as important to us as providing you with the best equipment. You can contact our customer service and support team and arrange regular checks, inspections and repairs. We offer service level agreements (SLAs) that include maintenance & servicing schedules and support.

Training and knowledge transfer

We offer training to help your staff to operate and maintain our loading systems, and to observe safety procedures when using them. This on-site training, delivered by experienced trainers, will help you to get the best out of your systems and Ground Support Equipment, and, crucially, lower the risk of errors and accidents while operating the systems.


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our ground support equipment

Truck Docks & Dolly Docks

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Slave Pallets

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Ancillary Equipment

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OUR NETWORK

a global leader, with local partners

Around the world, we’re known as the number one; the global leader in loading and unloading solutions. This is not only because we are the largest but also the first too; we've been pioneering loading solutions since 1962.

What truly makes us great is our fantastic product assortment supported by the best partners worldwide. We have an experienced network of 30+ distributors that also support an aftersales network, which is key, especially for automatic loading and unloading. 

Learn more about our global distributor network here.


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Contact us today for a consultation session with a member of our Systems team.

During the consultation, a Joloda Hydraroll Group Systems Expert will speak with you about your business' current logistics operations, plans and goals. 

We have over 60+ years of experience providing cutting-edge technological solutions to the logistics industry and have helped countless companies around the world lighten their load.  


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