Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of Airside International. In this jam-packed issue, we share exclusive interviews with OEMs, ground handlers and airports about the latest GSE sector news and trends.

Mike Bryant speaks with leading manufacturers in the apron bus and pushback tug markets about the newest developments in the OEM space – and hears from dnata and Swissport about exactly what ground handlers’ needs are for new GSE as the summer season hits.

Meanwhile, Megan Ramsay writes that developments in the use of technology to deliver information presents an opportunity for the way in which handlers can deliver training as efforts to standardise continue.

In his debut for Airside, Tony Harrington reports that there are great opportunities ahead for the Middle East’s aviation market, with innovation and sustainability driving airport development in the region – but that Africa lacks focus despite IATA’s prediction that the continent has the greatest potential for growth of any region.

In addition, I exclusively interview ITW GSE’s vice president general manager about the manufacturer’s growth and expansion plans, and sustainability objectives.

I also get the latest insights into the belt loader market, and hear from Adapt GSE, a pandemic start-up, about the growing demand for second-hand, refurbished equipment.

And despite the post-Covid recovery of Western markets, I learn how the Southeast Asian GSE market is faring as the region is poised for growth in the next few years.

Finally, as airside electrification continues to pick up pace globally, I find out from a number of stakeholders the role airports can play in helping handlers meet their sustainability targets.

We hope you enjoy the issue.