As airline operations become increasingly complex and cost-sensitive, the ground support equipment (GSE) rental market is emerging as a vital solution for carriers seeking flexibility without capital expenditure. In 2025, leasing GSE isn't merely about plugging gaps—it's a core strategy that enhances operational agility and financial stability.
The shift toward leasing reflects a broader trend in aviation asset-light strategies, where scalability and speed to deployment are more important than outright ownership. Airlines and ground handlers are leveraging rental fleets of pushback tractors, GPUs, cargo loaders, and PCA units to respond to fluctuating flight schedules and avoid grounding aircraft due to unavailable equipment.
For private equity and infrastructure investment firms eyeing the aviation sector, GSE rental represents a recurring revenue model with durable demand drivers.
The latest edition of Aviation Pros features a cover story exploring the state of the industry, and highlights how data, technology, and automation are reshaping ground support operations. Mercury GSE's VP of Customer Experience, Joe Davis, shares insights and trends featured throughout the article. Key amongst them are how telematics have evolved from a passive reporting tool, and how many companies are turning to automation to fill the gap in mechanical trades resulting from a lack of deep skilled labor pools.
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As the aviation industry continues its push toward smarter fleet strategy, operational agility, and around-the-clock reliability, Mercury GSE is gearing up for another year on the global stage. From maintenance innovation to equipment modernization, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for ramp and ground operations—and the conversations driving it will happen face-to-face across the industry’s most important events.
READ MORE >Mercury GSE is honored to supply GSE for the APEC Conference in San Francisco
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