How mobile ground power units improve efficiency and safety on the apron
Why mobile ground power units are critical for efficient apron operations
Mobile Ground Power Units (GPUs) keep aircraft powered safely and efficiently wherever they park, not only at gates, but also on remote stands, in MRO bays, and during irregular operations. By bringing 28V DC and 400Hz AC directly to the aircraft, mobile GPUs shorten turnarounds, cut APU burn, improve safety, and keep schedules on track.
Overview
Airlines and airports are under constant pressure to reduce turnaround times, lower emissions, and keep ground movements safe. Mobile GPUs deliver power right where it’s needed, from narrow-body gates to hard-stand positions and AOG scenarios, eliminating towing delays and avoiding APU usage. Compared with fixed infrastructure, mobile units deploy instantly, adapt to layout changes, and support maintenance “on the spot”.
ElectroAir’s portfolio spans diesel, hybrid, and battery GPUs. All are engineered for rugged daily use, power quality, and operator safety, and can be paired with cable management (reels, “so-called crocodile”/zig-zag extenders, and under-ramp coils) to keep aprons tidy and efficient.
1. Faster turnarounds
Time on stand is money. Mobile GPUs roll straight to the aircraft, deliver stable power within seconds, and keep avionics, lighting, and cabin systems live while servicing takes place. Fewer tows, fewer handoffs, and less waiting for a free gate or a fixed 400Hz plug translate into reliably shorter TATs.
- Immediate availability: no dependency on gate equipment; perfect for remote stands and peak waves.
- Parallel tasks: ground crews can power the aircraft while fueling, catering, or baggage ops continue.
- Irregular ops: rapid support for diversions, de-icing pads, and AOG troubleshooting.
2. Flexibility & reach
Airport layouts evolve. Mobile GPUs go wherever the aircraft goes, from wide-body bays to regional stands and MRO lines. Pairing them with cable reels, the zig-zag extender, or under-ramp coils ensures clean routing, minimal clutter, and safe pedestrian/vehicle flows.
- One fleet, multiple locations: redeploy units between gates, hard stands, hangars, and helipads.
- Seasonal peaks: scale up apron capacity instantly without construction work.
- Multi-aircraft compatibility: 28.5V DC for GA/regional and 400Hz AC for commercial fleets.
3. Power quality & aircraft health
Stable frequency, voltage, and low total harmonic distortion protect aircraft systems and avionics. Ground Power Units from ElectroAir are engineered for clean output and can be equipped with aviation-grade, reactive-compensated cables from specialized manufacturers to reduce voltage drop on longer runs.
- Consistent 400Hz/28V output: safeguards sensitive LRUs and reduces nuisance faults.
- Cable quality: reactive-compensated cables and rugged connectors extend service life.
- APU relief: fewer APU cycles mean less wear, lower maintenance, and quieter ramps.
4. Safety & compliance
Mobile GPUs reduce apron congestion and remove unsafe improvisations (long cable drags, ad-hoc connections). With proper cable management, lockable wheels, emergency stops, and clear operating procedures, they help teams meet airport safety rules and ISAGO practices.
- Tidy routing: fewer trip hazards, better vehicle visibility, protected connectors.
- Integrated interlocks: optional signals to prevent movement when connected (e.g., bridge integration confirming cable fully retracted).
- All-weather design: IP-rated enclosures, corrosion-resistant finishes, wide temp ranges.
5. Cost & sustainability
Using a GPU instead of the APU dramatically cuts fuel burn and CO2/NOx. Battery and hybrid models further reduce emissions and noise, ideal for night ops and eco-sensitive stands. Lower APU hours also translate into fewer shop visits and less unplanned maintenance.
- Direct savings: fuel and maintenance reduction vs. APU usage.
- Noise & air quality: quieter ramps, better community relations, ESG progress.
- Total cost of ownership: long service life, shared fleet usage across stands/hangars.
6. Digital monitoring & fleet control
Telematics turn mobile GPUs into smart assets. Load profiles, temperature, state-of-charge, runtime, and fault codes are visible to maintenance teams, enabling condition-based service and better fleet allocation. Many ElectroAir units support remote diagnostics for faster recovery and less downtime.
Where mobile GPUs make the biggest difference
- Remote and hard stands: fast power without tugging aircraft to a gate.
- MRO & line maintenance: power tools, tests, and avionics with clean 28V/400Hz.
- VIP/GA & business jets: quiet, low-emission battery GPUs for premium service.
- Helicopter & SAR ops: rugged mobility in dispersed or off-grid areas.
- De-icing pads & winter ops: reliable power in low-temp environments.
How to choose the right mobile GPU
Start with aircraft mix, duty cycle, and environmental constraints:
| Type | Best for | Key strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | High-duty, remote stands | Unlimited runtime, quick refuel | Pair with reels/”crocodile” for tidy routing |
| Hybrid | Mixed profiles, noise limits | Silent short runs, diesel backup | Lower emissions & fuel burn |
| Battery-electric | Eco-sensitive & night ops | Zero local emissions, very quiet | Plan charging & SoC telemetry |
Ready to speed up your apron operations?
From diesel workhorses to silent battery power units and complete cable management, ElectroAir helps airports and airlines deploy mobile power where it matters. Let’s cut APU burn, shorten TATs, and keep your ramp safe and organized.