With airlines and airports facing unprecedented financial pressure, keeping GSE costs down is essential. Tara Craig looks at the world of refurbishment

Today’s world is a troublesome place. We are dealing with everything from climate change to war while facing the very real prospect of a large-scale economic crisis. The latter is driving something of a ‘make do and mend’ culture, which is evident not just at home but in the workplace too.
Ground support equipment (GSE) is essential to the smooth running of an airport, and requires significant investment, something that may not be possible against today’s backdrop of post-pandemic uncertainty and costcutting. As a result, airlines and airports are increasingly opting to refurbish their GSE and eke at least a few more years’ worth of work out of it. Many are even buying second-hand equipment that has been overhauled by a specialist.