Baggage and Cargo Carts Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Baggage Carts, Cargo Carts, Container/Pallet Dollies (ULD Cards), and Special Purpose Carts), By Propulsion (Towable Carts, Self-propelled Carts, and Hybrid-Assisted Carts), By Application (Passenger Baggage Handling, Air Cargo Logistics, and Maintenance & Ground Logistics), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032

The global baggage and cargo carts market size was valued at USD 92.65 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 96.45 million in 2025 to USD 127.01 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.01% during the forecast period.

The baggage and cargo carts market covers airside equipment used to move passenger baggage, mail, parcels, and unit load devices (ULDs) between aircraft and terminal/cargo facilities. It includes towable baggage carts (open/closed), cargo carts, and container/pallet dollies for ULDs, plus niche special-purpose variants. Demand is fundamentally linked to aircraft turns and apron productivity as passenger volumes normalize and international belly-cargo lanes stay active, handlers expand and refresh cart fleets to maintain on-time performance.

Procurement remains value focused towable carts dominate for compatibility with existing tugs and lower total cost of ownership while higher-spec ULD dollies rise fastest where cargo connectivity is growing. Seasonal peaks and e-commerce reliability needs also drive buffer inventory. The competitive landscape is fragmented and pragmatic, with global and regional manufacturers supplying standardized platforms configurable by enclosure, capacity, and restraint systems. Representative players include TLD (Alvest), JBT AeroTech (Oshkosh), Mallaghan, Textron GSE, Tronair, Weihai Guangtai, Clyde Machines, Par-Kan, Wilcox GSE, and ISCAR GSE.

Airports and ground handlers typically source through multi-year framework agreements or project-based packages synchronized with apron works, lighting/markings upgrades, or new remote stands. Pricing is sensitive to specification (closed vs. open, braking packages, ULD restraint options) and logistics, but scale orders and common parts strategies help operators reduce lifecycle cost. Near term, steady passenger throughput, resilient air-cargo corridors, and safety-driven replacements underpin a predictable, replacement-led market with targeted growth where new stands and cargo capacity come online.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Passenger and Cargo Throughput is Lifting Replacement and Expansion Leading to Market Growth

Sustained growth in aircraft turns is the primary driver of demand for baggage and cargo carts. As international schedules normalize and belly-cargo capacity stays active, handlers must maintain reliable, right-sized cart pools to protect on-time performance. Airports typically synchronize cart refresh with apron rehabilitation and stand additions, bringing safer braking systems, better conspicuity, and enclosure upgrades into the fleet. Greenfield openings and remote-stand operations add incremental sets at commissioning, while high-utilization hubs build buffer capacity for peaks. In turn, driving the baggage and cargo carts market growth.

In September 2025: ACI World projected 9.8 billion passengers in 2025 (+3.7% YoY) and signaled international traffic outpacing domestic. This traffic outlook drawn from airport-reported data supports continued stand utilization and capex alignment for ramp equipment in 2025–2026 planning cycles, reinforcing cart and ULD-dolly procurement embedded in airside works.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Capital Discipline, Procurement Timing, and Infrastructure Readiness to Act as a Restraint for Growth

Even with clear operational needs, purchases are phased to budgets and project calendars. Airfield funds are commonly prioritized for pavements, lighting, and markings; cart and dolly orders follow when stands re-open, creating timing gaps. Where electrification is planned, readiness of charging points and tug strategy can also delay specification finalization. Currency pressure at some airports favors life-extension of legacy assets and defers upgrades to enclosed or higher-spec models. Vendors that align delivery windows to runway/apron programs win fewer, larger releases rather than fragmented spot orders.

In October 2025: The FAA announced USD 1.3 billion in FY25 Airport Improvement Program grants across 250+ airports; while AIP strengthens airfield infrastructure, funds are primarily for runways, taxiways, lighting, and markings so ramp-equipment procurement is often sequenced after civil works conclude.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

New Hubs and Large Expansions are Creating Multi-Year Procurement Windows Posing as Major Market Opportunity

Large hub programs convert directly into cart and ULD-dolly demand as every added stand requires a minimum set at opening plus buffers. Gulf megaprojects and India’s pipeline are notable as they specify standardized, safety-compliant fleets with parts commonality, enabling lower lifecycle cost and easier pooling across handlers. Suppliers that bundle airport passenger services, training, and telematics gain share in framework agreements and phased call-offs. As cargo connectivity deepens, widebody stands drive proportionally higher ULD-dolly counts, supporting both unit volume and higher ASPs.

In May 2025: Dubai accelerated the USD 35 billion Al Maktoum International (DWC) expansion, awarding major contracts including a USD 272 million second-runway deal and enabling works; leaders confirmed work is underway, signaling sustained stand growth and downstream ground-handling equipment requirements over multiple phases.

BAGGAGE AND CARGO CARTS MARKET TRENDS

Standardized, Safer Fleets with Data and Assist Features Pose as a Technological Trend

Specifications are converging on safety (tow-bar-actuated brakes, restraints, visibility), durability (enclosed, corrosion-protected designs), and fleet harmonization to enable pooling. Operators are adding low-cost telemetry (QR/RFID, usage logs) to reduce loss, improve rotation, and plan preventive maintenance. Hybrid-assist solutions appear in tight aprons to improve maneuvering without a full self-propelled step, while towable remains the cost-effective baseline. Data-enabled carts and dollies also support audit trails for incident reviews and service-level agreements with handlers.

In October 2025: IATA reported September 2025 marked the seventh consecutive month of year-on-year air-cargo growth (+2.9% CTKs). Consistent cargo activity at international hubs increases ULD handling intensity, encouraging adoption of standardized, higher-spec dollies with better restraint systems and telemetry to sustain turnaround reliability.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Operational Coordination, Safety Risks, and Uneven Execution Of Projects Present Threats to Market Growth

Apron congestion, fragmented handler contracts, and misaligned project timelines can dilute utilization and slow fleet deployment. Safety remains central FOD control, low-visibility operations, and wildlife risks demand compliant equipment and coordinated procedures, yet stakeholder alignment outside the fence (roads, policing, local activities) can lag airport schedules. New hubs must integrate security, airside works, and handler readiness to avoid start-up bottlenecks.

October 2025: India’s Navi Mumbai International Airport advanced operational readiness with CISF assuming security control ahead of a December 2025 launch. Government and media reports noted detailed induction steps and phased flight plans highlighting how security, airside readiness, and airline scheduling must converge to translate infrastructure into reliable ramp operations and supporting equipment orders.

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Segmentation Analysis

By Type

Baggage Carts Lead Market Share Due to Universal Deployment

On the basis of type, the market is classified into baggage carts, cargo carts, container/pallet dollies (ULD cards), and special purpose carts.

Baggage carts dominate the market as they are required on nearly every passenger turn across all airport classes. Procurement is recurring and predictable, driven by safety, enclosure, visibility, and standardization requirements, and most brownfield apron works bundle cart refreshes even when gate counts are unchanged. In 2025–2032, value growth is primarily replacement-led, with incremental additions at high-utilization hubs.

• October 2025: Airports Council International (ACI) projects 9.8 Million passengers in 2025, nearing 10 Million in 2026. That outlook, based on its World Airport Traffic Report, indicates sustained passenger volumes and stable stand utilization, reinforcing cart replacement programs embedded in airport works. Aviation trade coverage echoes the 9.8-Million figure and notes uneven but positive regional trends. Together, these signals point to reliable procurement for the segment holding the largest market share.

By Propulsion

Towable Carts Commanded Largest Share as they Minimize Total Cost and Maximize Compatibility

In terms of propulsion, the market is categorized into towable carts, self-propelled carts, and hybrid-assisted carts.

The towable carts segment dominated the market in 2024. Towable carts remain the primary propulsion choice. They leverage existing tug fleets, are simpler to maintain, and can be pooled across handlers with minimal operational disruption. Both greenfield and brownfield specifications typically default to towable, reserving self-propelled or hybrid-assist solutions for constrained layouts or specific safety/ergonomic use cases. The result is a broad, standardized installed base and a steady replacement cadence.

• October 2025: In the U.S., the FAA announced roughly USD 1.3 Million in FY25 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants covering runway, apron, lighting, and markings projects at 250+ airports. While AIP funds airfield infrastructure, these works usually precede or coincide with handler fleet refresh, sustaining orders for towable baggage carts and ULD dollies as new or rehabilitated stands come online.

By Application

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Passenger Baggage Handling is the largest application as it scales with every flight

Based on the application, the market is segmented into Passenger Baggage Handling, Air Cargo Logistics, and Maintenance & Ground Logistics.

Passenger Baggage Handling accounts for the largest share in 2024. Every departure and arrival requires carts irrespective of aircraft size or route, ensuring consistent utilization and timely replacement. Procurement is guided by safety (brakes, reflectors), containment (doors/canopies), and fleet harmonization across handlers, with climate-specific enclosures at weather-exposed airports.

• October 2025: ACI EUROPE reported +4.9% passenger growth in August 2025 versus August 2024, led by international demand, and earlier indicated +4.5% growth for H1 2025 year-on-year. At the global level, ACI expects 9.8 Million passengers in 2025. These passenger trends sustain utilization and underpin replacement budgets for baggage-handling carts across major and regional airports.

Baggage and Cargo Carts Market Regional Outlook

By geography, the market is categorized into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

NORTH AMERICA

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North America held the dominant baggage and cargo carts market share in 2023, valued at USD 32.53 million, and also took the leading share in 2024 with USD 33.54 million. North American demand is led by the U.S., where replacement cycles, safety upgrades, and cargo-gateway utilization maintain steady ordering for carts and ULD dollies. Airports align cart refresh with apron rehabilitation to capture safety and reliability benefits while minimizing operational downtime. Canada contributes stable replacement at Tier-2/3 airports.

• October 2025: The FAA released USD 1.3 million in FY25 AIP grants spanning entitlement and discretionary awards for 250+ airports. Although primarily aimed at airfield infrastructure, such investments typically catalyze ramp-readiness and follow-on ground-handling fleet renewals, including towable baggage carts and pallet/container dollies. The FAA’s AIP program page and industry summaries provide the detailed allocation framework and project categories covered in this cycle.

EUROPE

Europe’s market is characterized by compliance-driven refresh (braking, visibility, winterization) and sustainability roadmaps, alongside normalized international traffic. Procurement programs commonly replace legacy carts with enclosed, safer models and upgrade ULD dollies at long-haul hubs during stand works and handler contract renewals. Germany and the U.K. are among the larger markets, with robust activity across Rest of Europe.

ASIA PACIFIC

The Asia Pacific region is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to grow at the highest CAGR by 2032 in baggage and cargo carts market. Asia Pacific exhibits the strongest growth, combining greenfield openings with brownfield stand additions and robust cargo corridors. New airports and terminal/apron expansions require full complements of baggage carts and ULD dollies at opening, while regional hubs add capacity for remote stands. China leads in absolute value; India and Southeast Asia are key growth contributors.

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

The Middle East and Africa region is expected to witness moderate growth in this market. The regional market in 2025 is expected to reach a valuation of USD 8.45 million. Middle East & Africa demand is concentrated at Gulf mega-hubs and Saudi programs, where wide body exposure and cargo connectivity require significant ULD dolly pools and standardized baggage-handling fleets. Africa is expanding from a lower base via concession-driven upgrades and safety-led replacements.

LATIN AMERICA

The Latin America region is expected to witness stagnant growth from 2025-2032. Latin American procurement is focused on Brazil and Mexico. Most purchases are replacements, but capacity projects and apron reconfigurations at concession-run hubs add carts and ULD dollies for new stands and higher turn density. Currency and budget discipline keep specifications practical, with towable solutions prevailing.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

A Wide Range of Product Offerings, Coupled with a Strong Distribution Network of Key Companies Supported their Leading Position

The baggage and cargo carts market is fragmented yet disciplined, anchored by global GSE manufacturers, strong regional specialists, and niche fabricators. Competition revolves around total cost of ownership, compliance, reliability, and delivery performance rather than headline price. Global OEMs bundle carts with broader ramp portfolios (e.g., ULD dollies, stairs), standardize parts, and offer multi-year service and refurbishment programs creating switching costs for airports and ground handlers. Regional players compete with climate-adapted designs, knock-down shipping, and short lead times. Differentiation concentrates on durability (frames, axles), safety (brakes, restraints, conspicuity), and compatibility with existing tugs; higher-spec tenders increasing demand for weigh telematics and preventive-maintenance kits.

Procurement is RFP-driven with technical compliance gates, life-cycle scoring, local support requirements, and growing sustainability criteria. Pricing power is moderate as ASPs move with steel/aluminum input costs and specification upgrades, while competitive tenders constrain margins. Aftermarket strength parts depots, technician coverage, and refurbishment drives retention given long asset lives. Electrification of tow fleets indirectly raises spec expectations (interlocks, visibility, standardized hitches) and supports premium models, but towable carts remain the volume anchor; self-propelled and hybrid-assist penetrate niche, safety-sensitive aprons. Consolidation is selective, favoring suppliers with certified quality systems, proven delivery at scale, and resilient parts logistics key barriers to repeated airport wins.

LIST OF KEY BAGGAGE AND CARGO CARTS COMPANIES PROFILED

• TLD Group (ALVEST Group) (France)
• Textron Ground Support Equipment (Textron Inc.) (U.S.)
• JBT AeroTech (U.S.)
• Tronair Inc. (U.S.)
• ITW GSE (Illinois Tool Works Inc.) (Denmark)
• Mallaghan Engineering Ltd. (U.K.)
• MULAG Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wössner GmbH (Germany)
• Weihai Guangtai Airport Equipment Co. Ltd. (China)
• Charlatte Manutention (Part of Fayat Group) (France)
• TCR Group (Belgium)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• March 2025 – AkzoNobel partnered with LandLocked Aviation Services to apply its basecoat/clearcoat system and renew collaboration for U.S. programs, improving turnaround time and finish quality; this is going to strengthen AkzoNobel’s presence across MRO paint lines.
• May 2025 – AkzoNobel launched a special-livery project with IAC Spokane for Alaska Airlines to showcase brand themes using its aerospace coatings; this is going to highlight custom color capability and drive premium repaint demand.
• May 2025 – PPG announced a USD 380 million investment to build a new aerospace coatings and sealants plant in Shelby, North Carolina, for capacity and lead-time gains; this is going to expand North American supply and support OEM/MRO programs.
• June 2025 – Mankiewicz received two Airbus Supplier Awards (Accredited Supplier and Digitalization) for cabin/exterior coatings performance; this is going to reinforce preferred-supplier status and support share gains at Airbus programs.
• June 2025 – AkzoNobel signed a binding agreement to sell its controlling stake in Akzo Nobel India Ltd. to JSW Group, refocusing portfolio while retaining certain businesses; this is going to streamline operations and sustain aerospace coatings capabilities in the region.
• July 2025 – Ryanair extended its paint agreement with MAAS Aviation through 2035 to repaint 500 aircraft at Maastricht and Kaunas; this is going to secure long-term repaint volumes and stable utilization for MAAS facilities.
• September 2025 – AkzoNobel reported its virtual-reality paint training initiative achieved significant first-year results, enhancing application consistency and safety; this is going to improve productivity and quality across airline/MRO repaints.

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Report Scope & Segmentation