SATS partners with Guangtai to advance airport ground support tech
They signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on March 27, 2025.
SATS Ltd has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co Ltd to explore and trial new technologies for airport ground support operations. The agreement, signed on 27 March 2025, will focus on testing electric ground support equipment (GSE), enhancing sustainability, and improving engineering and training processes. SATS and Guangtai will evaluate the performance of advanced GSE in real-world airport operations to meet specific operational requirements.
SATS will begin the collaboration with a trial of a mid-size electric airtug developed by Guangtai for towing medium-sized passenger aircraft. Guangtai’s expertise in electric GSE will support SATS' transition to a more sustainable fleet. The partnership also includes technical collaboration, with SATS providing feedback on equipment design and manufacturing processes to improve reliability and maintenance. Guangtai will offer training to ensure SATS’ operators and engineers can effectively manage both new and existing equipment.
SATS has adopted a long-term capital expenditure strategy to optimise GSE procurement and fleet management. The company is consolidating its supplier network to improve equipment efficiency, reliability, and total cost of ownership, supporting its fleet renewal and future growth plans.
“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.
“By providing advanced electric technologies, specialised training, and tailored support, we are striving to build a greener, smarter, and more efficient aviation industry. Collectively, we aim to penetrate international markets and inject fresh impetus into the global aviation industry,” said President Li of Weihai Guangtai.
