By 2026, expectations for 400 Hz and 28 V DC systems will rise significantly as airports accelerate the transition to electric GSE, expand energy-monitoring capabilities and prepare for more-electric aircraft. What used to be “good to have” will become a baseline requirement.

Airports will prioritise high-accuracy power quality: stable 400 Hz at the aircraft plug, clean sinusoidal output, low harmonic distortion and reliable compensation over long cable runs. Sensitive avionics and new electrical architectures will push operators toward systems that remain stable under rapid load variations and extreme climates.

Digital integration will also move to the forefront. By 2026, fixed and mobile GPUs will be expected to connect seamlessly to SCADA, energy dashboards and asset-management platforms. Digital FAT records, event logs, remote diagnostics and transparent performance data will shift from optional features to operational standards.

Meanwhile, the expansion of electric GSE fleets will increase demand for ground-power systems that can support simultaneous loads without degrading aircraft power quality. Airports will evaluate suppliers based on lifecycle resilience: long-term component stability, predictable service, and flexible configurations capable of scaling with fleet growth.

Regional trends highlight how uneven and dynamic this shift will be.

Europe will continue to lead the push toward energy transparency, low-emission operations and integration with carbon-tracking platforms. Airports will require detailed power-quality reporting and advanced monitoring features.

Middle East hubs will focus on high-capacity, high-temperature performance as new terminals and remote stands come online, with strong emphasis on reliability in extreme heat and heavy peak loads.

Central Asia will prioritise modernisation of legacy infrastructure, seeking flexible GPU architectures that can be introduced step by step while supporting a growing mix of aircraft types.

North Africa will see rising demand for robust, durable systems capable of performing consistently in coastal humidity, high dust exposure and wide temperature shifts.

Across all regions, a common pattern is emerging: airports are moving away from isolated equipment decisions and toward integrated, data-driven ground-power strategies. By 2026, the market will favour systems that combine electrical precision, digital readiness and long-term operational resilience — the core elements of next-generation apron infrastructure.