Quantcast

Delta's Ground Support Equipment team ensures seamless airport operations

Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
JetBlue's new ticket policy entitles every passenger to a carry-on bag
Why United Airlines’ CEO makes as few decisions as possible
American invests in the future of aviation maintenance with new jobs, additional work
DOT probe seeks to determine if frequent flyer programs are fair to travelers
American Airlines flight diverted after passenger starts vaping
Russian Airline Wants $100 Million From Canada for Seizing Its Giant Cargo Plane
Here's where American Airlines is adding flights to Europe in summer 2025
Major airline grounds Airbus A350 fleet, citing faulty engine component
Airline CEO wants airports to cap passengers at 2 alcoholic drinks to limit on-board disruptions
Regulator cuts Malaysia Airlines' air operator certificate duration after probe
United Airlines flight attendants are prepared to strike. Here's why it's still unlikely.
2 workers killed, 1 injured in tire explosion at a Delta Air Lines shop in Atlanta
Emirates Will Buy 5 Airbus A380s From Lessor For $200 Million
Delta Air Lines named official airline of the WNBA
Pair Of C-Suite Officials Depart Wheels Up
LAX Receives Final Cars for People Mover Train
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger clears Justice Department hurdle, now faces DOT
Alaska Airlines flight attendants reject new contract, union says there's 'more work to do'
Elliott Investment To Push For 10 New Boardroom Directors At Southwest Airlines
Alaska Air Backs JetZero Blended-Wing Design
Delta's Ground Support Equipment team ensures seamless airport operations
Research
Webp qj5munmfs624bdp2bm4w8syr8zw8
Joe Petrie Editor & Chief | AviationPros

When observing the activity at an airport, one can see a coordinated effort to ensure travelers reach their destinations. This includes baggage being transported, jet bridges connecting planes, and various carts, trucks, belts, and ramps in operation. However, the unseen efforts of Delta’s Ground Support Equipment (GSE) team are crucial in maintaining these operations.

The GSE team is tasked with maintaining Delta’s machinery across airports globally. Delta operates over 400,000 pieces of equipment that require regular servicing to function safely and reliably. The skilled GSE mechanics and technicians work continuously to keep systems operational and customers satisfied.

“Just about every minute of the day, a GSE team member is unjamming strap, wheel or zipper in a bag system somewhere that caused a bag to get stuck,” said Lourens Van Aswegen, Director – GSE. “Our team also does heavy maintenance work every day like changing engines, refurbishing transmissions, overhauling AC systems and much more. They fix the little things, like flat tires, and the big things, like installing jet bridges onto buildings. They truly do it all.”

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The GSE team comprises Ground Maintenance Mechanics (GMMs) and Ground Maintenance Technicians (GMTs), who possess expertise in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems. Their skills are vital for maintaining low Mishandled Bag Rates and ensuring timely departures. Central support teams within GSE cover engineering, asset management, analytics, safety, and maintenance planning.

Shawn Burke, Lead GMT in Boston explained what GSE means to travelers: “As you look out the terminal window at all the moving equipment,” he said,“GSE is the maintenance department that keeps everything on the ground up and running safely and efficiently including the jetway you're walking down to get on the plane and the baggage system moving your luggage with you.”

Delta remains committed to investing in its future through its GSE division. The mobile GSE fleet is valued at over $1 billion with significant investments made in new equipment over recent years. Many of these investments include electric vehicles aimed at energy efficiency; by year-end 39% of Delta's core GSE fleet will be electric.

As they solve problems daily, GSE members expand their knowledge of new technologies. Anthony Canali from Boston shared his excitement about learning new machinery: “I got to see the trucks that I work on pretty regularly in wintertime from just frame to complete,” he said after visiting a truck manufacturing facility in Orlando.“Then seeing them arrive on tractor trailers coming into our shop was really cool.”

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Every now and then, ambitious aircraft concepts emerge that capture attention but often do not materialize.

Jun 8, 2025

Long Beach Airport has announced a new daily nonstop service to Baltimore Washington International (BWI) through Southwest Airlines.

Jun 7, 2025

Lidl workers in Belgium initiated a strike and blockades on June 5, following similar actions in France and Italy.

Jun 6, 2025

Delta Air Lines is expanding its flight offerings for the 2025 pro football season, introducing new routes and increasing capacity to accommodate fans traveling to major games.

Jun 6, 2025

National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen addressed the U.S. House Aviation Subcommittee, emphasizing the urgent need to reform the nation's air traffic control (ATC) infrastructure.

Jun 6, 2025

Last month, over 130 volunteers from Delta Air Lines and several partner organizations collaborated to construct a new playground in College Park, Georgia.

Jun 6, 2025