Aircraft ground damage caused by ground support equipment (GSE).

Numerous GSE/vehicles serve different purposes, moving close to the aircraft and each other. The IATA IDX database reflects over 5800 aircraft damage events caused by GSE, including PBB (Passenger Boarding Bridge), during aircraft handling in the last 3 years.

Three main threats are associated with this issue: the lack of well-maintained ground support equipment, the lack of or nonadherence to ground procedures, and the lack of appropriate training. In combination with hazards like low visibility, apron surface conditions, including contamination and markings, and apron congestion pose serious risks, leading to damage to aircraft, especially to aircraft access doors and fuselage. All such damages result in airlines losing time and revenue and, in some cases, injuries and ground staff fatalities.