The UK has reported a strong performance in ground support activity in airport operations, with an 11% increase in activity hours and a 13% rise in the number of active service vehicles compared with the same period in 2024. This puts the UK well ahead of the global average of +7% in activity hours and +14% in vehicles, underlining the sector’s momentum and ongoing recovery.
These results come from the Targa Telematics Observatory, which analyses data from connected airport service vehicles (GSE – Ground Support Equipment), including passenger buses, towing tractors, luggage carts, loading/unloading vehicles, and GPUs (Ground Power Units). Targa Telematics has over 4 million connected assets under management worldwide, including vehicles from short- and long-term rental fleets, leasing companies, professional and construction vehicles, as well as airport ground support equipment (GSE).
Across Europe, airport ground operations also witnessed a notable uplift. During the Easter travel period, activity rose by an average of +13%, compared to the UK’s much steeper spikes of +47.3% on Thursday 17th April and +42.9% on Friday 18th April. Looking at the first half of the year overall, Europe recorded a +13.67% increase in activity hours and +12% growth in active vehicles, underlining a continent-wide recovery, with the UK closely aligned, yet still outperforming global trends.
As travel demand continues to rebound and airport operators optimise their ground support strategies, the UK’s growth signals both near-term resilience and long-term opportunity for the aviation industry.
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