Beyond the Purchase Price: What Airports Should Consider When Selecting Ground Power Equipment

When airports invest in ground support equipment, purchase price is an important factor, but it is only one part of the total cost.

Ground power equipment remains in operation for many years. During that time, energy consumption, maintenance, cables, labour and equipment configuration can have a significant impact on operating costs.

Look beyond the initial investment

Different airport stands require different solutions. Mobile equipment provides flexibility and can serve multiple locations, while fixed, under-bridge or PIT installations can be better suited to frequently used stands.

The most economical solution therefore depends on aircraft types, turnaround frequency, existing infrastructure and daily operating requirements.

Energy and maintenance

Energy consumption continues throughout the equipment’s operational life, particularly at busy airports where multiple units operate every day.

Maintenance is another important consideration. Accessibility of components, availability of spare parts, technical support and equipment downtime can all influence long-term costs.

For this reason, serviceability and efficiency should be considered during equipment selection, not only after installation.

Cable management matters

Aircraft cables are used during every turnaround and are exposed to demanding apron conditions. Their handling and storage can affect both cable lifetime and daily operations.

Depending on the stand configuration, airports can use cable reels, C-Coil cable extenders, PIT systems or solutions integrated with passenger boarding bridges.

Effective cable management helps protect cables and makes everyday ground operations easier.

Choosing the right architecture

There is no single configuration that works best for every airport.

C.D.R Technology provides a wide range of GPU and GSE solutions, including 400 Hz frequency converters, 28 VDC rectifiers, combined AC/DC units, mobile and fixed configurations, PIT and under-bridge solutions, cable management systems and ACU equipment.

Our equipment can be customized according to specific electrical, installation, environmental and operational requirements.

Looking at the complete lifecycle rather than purchase price alone helps airports select equipment that fits both their current operations and future infrastructure plans.

The right question is not only what the equipment costs today, but how it will perform and what it will require throughout its operational life.