SATS Airport Services Pte Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SATS Ltd. (SATS), one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services and Asia’s pre-eminent provider of food solutions and Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co Ltd (Guangtai), global ground support equipment (GSE) manufacturer and supplier, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 27 March 2025 to explore and trial advanced technologies to drive improvements in airport ground support services provided by SATS and its subsidiaries.
The three-year collaboration aims to evaluate the performance and suitability of the technologies in real-world airport operations, with a particular focus on electric GSE technologies, ensuring they meet the specific needs of SATS’ operations. SATS will begin by trialling a new mid-size electric airtug, developed with the expertise of Guangtai, designed to push or tow medium-sized passenger aircraft. Guangtai’s expertise will be instrumental in SATS’ transition to a more sustainable, environmentally friendly fleet.
The collaboration also includes a focus on training, engineering and sustainability improvements. SATS will actively work with Guangtai’s engineering technology center to provide feedback on the design and manufacturing processes to enhance the equipment’s reliability, ease of maintenance, and sustainability. In parallel, Guangtai, will work closely with SATS to equip operators and engineers with the requisite skills and knowledge to effectively operate and maintain both new electric technologies and existing equipment, optimising the delivery of ground support services.
SATS has initiated a strategic multi-year capex management approach to optimise GSE procurement and fleet management. As part of this strategy, SATS is consolidating category management and building long-term partnerships with a few key GSE manufacturers, in order to improve the reliability, efficiency, and total cost of ownership of SATS’ GSE fleet, thereby supporting fleet rejuvenation and future growth.
“We are pleased to partner with Guangtai to explore new technologies that will enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of our ground support operations. The collaboration will provide us with access to new electric technologies, specialised training, and a pathway to reduce emissions, which is central to our plans to electrify our GSE fleet and support our broader goals of operational excellence and sustainability,” said Henry Low, CEO of Singapore Hub, SATS Ltd.
“We are excited to join forces with our valued partner, SATS, to drive the future of ground support operations with cutting-edge electric GSE solutions. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in GSE operations. By providing advanced electric technologies, specialised training, and tailored support, we are striving for building a greener, smarter, and more efficient aviation industry. This partnership not only ensures mutual commercial benefits but also presents a strategic opportunity to promote the development of smart airports and foster sustainable aviation practices. Collectively, we aim to penetrate international markets and inject fresh impetus into the global aviation industry,” said President Li of Weihai Guangtai.
