After more than 15 years, two important standards for aviation ground support equipment (GSE) have been comprehensively revised and republished, replacing editions that had been in force since 2009. The new standards provide updated requirements for the design, testing, and operation of equipment used in airport ground handling activities. As a result, manufacturers, designers, testing laboratories, and operators should review the changes and assess their impact on product compliance and operational practices.
The standards form part of two complementary series developed by CEN/TC 274 ‘Aircraft Ground Support Equipment’. While the EN 1915 series establishes general requirements applicable across different categories of GSE, the EN 12312 series contains equipment-specific requirements. The latest additions are EN 1915-2, covering stability and strength, and EN 12312-20, addressing electrical ground power units.
EN 1915-2 establishes the conditions, calculations, and test methods required to demonstrate the strength and stability of aircraft ground support equipment. The standard provides a common framework that supports the equipment-specific requirements found throughout the EN 12312 series. Its purpose is to ensure that GSE remains structurally sound and stable during normal operation and foreseeable service conditions.
The standard has practical relevance for a wide range of equipment, including passenger stairs, lift trucks, tow tractors, conveyor belts, and loading equipment. Designers and manufacturers can use its provisions to verify structural integrity and operational stability, while testing laboratories benefit from harmonized test methods. Airport operators and ground handling companies may also reference compliance with EN 1915-2 as part of their procurement and acceptance requirements.
The other newly published standard, EN 12312-20, focuses on Electrical Ground Power Units (GPUs). These systems play a critical role in supplying electrical power to aircraft while they are on the ground, reducing the need to operate onboard auxiliary power systems. The standard addresses the significant hazards and hazardous situations associated with the commissioning, operation, and maintenance of such equipment under both normal operating conditions and reasonably foreseeable misuse.
EN 12312-20 applies to self-propelled and towed ground power units, ground power systems integrated into other types of ground support equipment, accessories associated with ground power equipment, and stationary ground power installations. In addition to safety-related requirements, the standard considers performance expectations regarded as essential by authorities, aircraft manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, airlines, and ground handling service providers. The result is a comprehensive framework intended to enhance both safety and reliability in airport operations.
It is important to note that both standards apply only to equipment manufactured or placed on the European Single Market for the first time after their publication. Existing equipment already in service is not automatically affected by the new requirements. Nevertheless, manufacturers should review their technical documentation, declarations of conformity, and testing procedures to ensure alignment with the revised standards and to facilitate continued market access.
Another noteworthy development in the sector is the increasing internationalization of ground support equipment standards. For vibration-related requirements, EN ISO 31915-3:2026 on Vibration Measurement Methods and Mitigation replaces the former EN 1915-3. As a consequence, noise and vibration aspects of GSE are now addressed through a combination of EN 1915-4 and EN ISO 31915-3:2026. This transition marks the second instance of a European GSE standard being elevated to the international ISO level, highlighting the growing global alignment of technical requirements in the aviation ground handling sector.
The publication of EN 1915-2 and EN 12312-20 therefore represents a significant modernization of the regulatory framework for aviation ground support equipment. Together, these standards strengthen safety, performance, and consistency across airport operations while supporting harmonized compliance requirements for manufacturers and operators throughout Europe.
Ardit Cami
acami@cencenelec.eu
