Ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturers and technology companies are gathering in Lisbon this week for GSE Expo Europe 2026. Autonomous equipment, fleet management and new approaches to ground handling are among the themes on the agenda.
The event takes place from 15–17 September at FIL Lisbon. The exhibition includes indoor and outdoor areas, while dedicated zones will focus on autonomous GSE, fleet management and equipment demonstrations.
Autonomous operation is one of the most prominent themes at this year’s event. A dedicated Autonomous Zone will feature demonstrations and discussions covering the deployment of unmanned GSE, aircraft pushback, digital twins and the practical requirements of operating automated equipment on the airport apron.
UK company Aurrigo is among the exhibitors, with its Auto-DollyTug autonomous aircraft handling vehicle scheduled for demonstrations during the event. The programme also includes a session led by Aurrigo examining the development and deployment of unmanned GSE.
Furthermore, Charlatte Manutention and Navya Mobility are presenting the AT135, which combines Charlatte’s T135 baggage tractor with Navya’s autonomous navigation technology. TractEasy will also discuss the deployment of Level 4 autonomous ground operations.
The discussions reflect a wider shift in the GSE sector towards using automation in controlled airport environments. Rather than focusing solely on the vehicles themselves, the programme also addresses how autonomous equipment can be integrated into existing ground handling operations, including what happens when connectivity, sensors, software or remote-control systems fail.
Increasingly Connected Fleets
Fleet management is another major focus at GSE Expo Europe. The Fleet Management Zone includes sessions on real-time tracking, maintenance data and the use of technology to locate GSE across airport environments. One session will examine how operators can move beyond simply knowing where equipment is to using data to support operational decisions.
The issue is relevant to airports and ground handlers managing large numbers of vehicles and other equipment across increasingly complex airside environments. The programme includes discussion of locating misplaced GSE, using dashcam footage to improve ground-handling safety and using data to support fleet maintenance.
The exhibition also includes companies supplying charging technology, battery systems and electric equipment, reflecting the continuing move away from conventional powertrains in parts of the GSE market. The official exhibitor list includes companies working across charging, fleet technology and equipment manufacturing, alongside established GSE suppliers.
For airport operators and ground handlers, these developments highlight several changes taking place on the apron: the electrification of equipment, increasing use of connected systems and the introduction of automated vehicles.
GSE Expo Europe’s programme will address how these technologies can be deployed within day-to-day airport operations, including questions around safety, fleet management and system resilience.
