AviationPros Podcast

Andreas Funk, a key figure in the formation of IAEMA in 2009, talks with Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier about the evolution of the organization and its brain child, the International GSE Expo. Here are five main points of the discussion:

1. Founding of IAEMA

The International Airport Equipment Manufacturers Association (IAEMA) was created in response to manufacturers' frustrations with having to attend multiple GSE exhibitions in the U.S. in the same year. Andreas Funk and a group of three other industry leaders planned to start their own show, which led to the creation of IAEMA and the launch of the first GSE Expo in Las Vegas.

2. IAEMA's mission

The core mission of IAEMA is to represent GSE manufacturers and serve as a co-organizer for major industry exhibitions. The association's primary focus is to provide a unified, efficient platform for manufacturers to showcase their equipment. Funk notes that IAEMA's role could expand in the future to include standardization efforts and more active discussions with airports and ground handlers.

3. Key challenges for the GSE industry

The biggest challenge facing the industry is the global push for carbon neutrality, according to Funk. Airports worldwide are aiming to be carbon-free by 2050, which requires a massive shift from diesel-powered equipment to electric, Hydrogen or synthetic fuels. This transition is difficult due to several factors:

• The high cost of electric equipment, which can be double the price of diesel.

• The challenge of building adequate charging infrastructure at many, especially older, airports.

• The business model of ground handlers, who often operate on short-term licenses, making them hesitant to invest in expensive new equipment.

4. Goals for International GSE Expo

Funk shares his hopes for the future of the exposition, which he believes it is a highly successful event for GSE manufacturers. He expresses a desire for more airports, especially those in North America, to attend, suggesting that collaborating with organizations like the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) could help draw more airport personnel to the expo.

5. The role of collaboration

Funk emphasizes that reaching the goal of carbon neutrality requires close cooperation. This includes collaboration between manufacturers and airports to build the necessary infrastructure, and between manufacturers and ground handlers to navigate investment challenges. He stresses that success depends on working together for the future of the industry.

Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Jennifer Matasy, Executive Director of IAEMA, about the International GSE Expo taking place in Las Vegas, Sept. 16-18.

Here are five main takeaways from the discussion: 

1. The biggest GSE showcase in the world

The International GSE Expo is the largest and only dedicated event for ground support equipment. It's a global showcase that brings together leading manufacturers, suppliers, and decision-makers. Attendees get a hands-on experience, seeing and testing the latest equipment, from traditional tow tractors to electric and autonomous vehicles.

2. Focus on electrification

The predominant theme of this year's expo is the future of electric GSE. Attendees will see a wide range of new battery-powered equipment, including GPUs, pushback tractors, and baggage carriers. This shift to greener, quieter, and more efficient technology is a major focus for many manufacturers.

3. Revamped Demo Zone

This year's Demo Zone has been completely revitalized to be a main attraction. It’s now a dedicated space where exhibitors can showcase their new equipment. This change makes it easier for attendees to get hands-on experience and see the latest green technology in action.

4. New networking opportunities

The annual golf tournament has been replaced by a new on-site Layover Lounge. Located next to the Demo Zone, this new area offers games and refreshments, creating a relaxed environment for attendees to network and connect with exhibitors and peers throughout the show.

5. Innovation and sustainability take center stage

The GSE Expo is a hub for innovation, with many manufacturers unveiling new technologies. A key goal for the event is to strengthen the GSE sector by highlighting the latest sustainable, efficient, and automated equipment solutions. If your company is focused on these areas, this is the essential event to attend.

Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona, is entering a new era of business aviation growth. Airport Director Corinne Nystrom sits down with Airport Business to discuss the wave of executive hangar construction, infrastructure improvements, and the airport’s role in supporting corporate and recreational aviation.

In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, host Joe Petrie speaks with Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the U.S. Travel Association. Hansen discusses how ASTMEC will shape U.S. preparations for an influx of 30 million international visitors, the urgent need for visa modernization and airport upgrades, and the lasting legacy these investments could create for America’s travel system well beyond 2028.

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In this episode of the Aviation Pros Podcast, Airport Business Editor Joe Petrie speaks with Jason Middleton, CEO of Silver Air Private Jets and soon-to-be member of NBAA’s Regulatory Committee. 

The race to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) to market just hit a new gear. In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Joe Petrie speaks with Jennifer Trock, Partner at Morgan Lewis, about the groundbreaking roadmap released by the National Aviation Authorities (NAA) Network—a multinational effort by the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to harmonize certification of piloted, remotely piloted, and autonomous AAM aircraft.

Trock explains the significance of this document from a legal and regulatory perspective, including its performance-based certification model, crawl-walk-run deployment strategy, and impact on global market access for eVTOL manufacturers. She also shares key milestones, infrastructure implications, and the biggest hurdles to watch as the roadmap moves from concept to implementation.

Whether you’re an airport executive, OEM, FBO operator, or policymaker, this episode offers critical insights into the real-world rollout of AAM and what comes next.

^{Ground Support Worldwide Editor Jenny Lescohier talks with Gary Nunley, CEO of Departures Aviation, about how the company is incorporating the latest technology in its employee training. The Philadelphia-based cabin cleaning firm believes an empowered workforce is best able to provide the highest quality customer service, thereby ensuring greater success and expansion for the company.}  

In this episode of the AviationPros Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Chandler, Associate Dean of Executive Programs at the University of Colorado Denver, to discuss the world’s first Executive MBA designed specifically for the aviation ecosystem. Developed in partnership with Denver International Airport, this 18-month hybrid program is redefining leadership education for mid-career professionals across airports, airlines, infrastructure, and beyond.

How can smart signage, indoor navigation, and location-based alerts turn traveler frustration into revenue growth?
Andrew Dallmann from Acuity’s Spatial Intelligence group shares how airports like DFW and Heathrow are tackling the most persistent traveler complaints with tech that enhances passenger flow, supports overextended staff, and increases concession sales.