Just like vehicles, aircraft at our nation’s airports must be serviced. Many different types of ground equipment are necessary to transport both people and planes. Tugs move aircraft and baggage carts. Buses shuttle between short- and long-term parking lots and terminals. Electric carts shuttle from gate to gate; shuttles move people to planes parked on the tarmacs. Fire and police vehicles and emergency equipment are ready to go when called upon. EMTs operating emergency vehicles treat passengers onsite until they can be transported to medical facilities for comprehensive treatment.
A fleet organization must be responsible for budgeting, purchasing, maintaining, operating, and disposing of the varied classes of equipment usually owned and operated by each of the major airlines and contracted to the smaller airlines that occupy space at the terminal.
In small rural and suburban airports, a fleet service organization is available to provide fleets with safe, economical, and reliable support service.
Perform a System Check
Vehicles require reliable maintenance, and manufacturers recommend frequent and sequenced inspections. The responsible fleet manager puts together a prioritized list for technicians, mechanics, and laborers to follow. Inspection timing is based on usage, measured in time, miles, kilometers, fuel use, and repetitions.
To save fuel, vehicles that do not require the engine to power mounted equipment must shut down.
Because fleet managers frequently start and stop the engines, a system component check must be performed every quarter or every 500 gallons of fuel used. Check battery capacity, voltage drop, starter draw, and alternator charging systems to prevent start failures between preventive maintenance inspections. The starters pull 300 amps so if it’s below 250 amps or even 350 amps, change the starter. For 130-amp alternators, demand output below 90 amps loaded should be changed.
Providing Support
In the aviation industry, ground fleet facility support vehicles such as sweepers, service vans, plows, snow melters, runway maintenance equipment, surface maintenance equipment for asphalt, pneumatic hammers, drills, spot pavings, and cleaning equipment can be contracted.
However, unless the contractor can do it better for less, don’t contract core work if you have the staff. Be careful of partnering core business and sole sourcing. It’s much better to stimulate competition to control pricing and efficiencies.
Computer support allows fleet managers to establish thresholds for component evaluation based on targeted time, miles, kilometers, fuel, and repetitions.
Practice Preventive Maintenance
Always practice preventive maintenance on vocational vehicles and equipment to achieve maximum use. Maintenance programs vary depending on type of equipment.
Mounted equipment has separate preventive maintenance programs. Organize inspections for chassis, mounted equipment, tools and equipment backhoes, trenchers, and yellow iron.
Airport ground equipment service and maintenance is a complex technical environment. It demands experienced people who can prioritize adjustments due to density, size, fluctuating needs, technology availability, aircraft maintenance changes, passenger volume, and change of vendors. Focus on the process. The fleet people create the process because they fund it and adjust the budget to fit the process and meet customer demands.
Principles and Practices for Using Airport Ground Equipment
The key to operating an efficient airport fleet is making sure everything is in place, including ground emergency equipment and services and proper maintenance and technical support.
More Operations

Costs, AI, EVs, and Sales in Government Fleet | GovCast Shorts
On the go and want a snapshot of our top industry news? Check out Government Fleet's new video short of what's been happening.
Read More →
A Practical Approach to Fleet Cost Analysis in Government Operations
Government fleets face a distinct set of challenges that make cost analysis both more difficult and more critical.
Read More →
Vote Now for the Public Fleet Hall of Fame
Fleet professionals can now vote for the 2026 inductees of the Public Fleet Hall of Fame. Anyone affiliated with the public fleet industry, including fleet professionals, fleet technicians, or other staff members, and suppliers, can vote.
Read More →
Finding Your People | The Fleet Breakroom
Why the fleet community matters, how it helps with education and support, and why asking questions can save you more trouble than you think.
Read More →
Women in Fleet, Salary Trends, AI, and More| The March Dispatch
In this monthly lookback, we’re talking about Women’s History Month coverage, the latest Government Fleet salary data, how fleet leaders are dealing with nonstop change, and more.
Read More →
Safety by Design: Power and Protection in the Freightliner 114SD Plus
Safety and productivity go hand-in-hand on today’s vocational jobsites. The Freightliner 114SD Plus combines advanced driver-assist technologies with proven reliability to keep crews moving constantly from start to finish. Learn how safety by design can protect your team, reduce risk, and maximize uptime.
Read More →
Isuzu Launches New Premium Body Program with Aebi Schmidt called Advantic
Isuzu and Aebi Schmidt launched a new body program that offers dealers preconfigured, work-ready trucks to streamline upfitting and reduce delivery times.
Read More →
How Dash Cams Reduce Risk and Deliver Clear ROI for the U.S. Public Sector
For government agencies, dash cams have moved from a nice-to-have to a necessity—not just for public safety, but also for operational efficiency and cost savings. Download the full report today for insights from fellow public sector leaders on how dash cams are reducing risk, lowering premiums, and delivering clear ROI.
Read More →
2026 Government Fleet Salary Study: Pay Holds Strong as Workforce Pressures Mount
Government fleet managers report steady salary growth and expanding responsibilities, but an aging workforce, technician shortages, and rising technology demands are creating new long-term challenges.
Read More →
Last Chance: 2026 Public Fleet Hall of Fame Nominations Close Today
Do you know a fleet leader who has made a lasting impact on the industry? Nominate this fleet professional for the 2026 Public Fleet Hall of Fame.
Read More →
