Mercury Keeps it Moving

At Mercury GSE, we provide quality ground support equipment (GSE) – the support equipment found at an airport, usually on the ramp and the servicing area by the terminal. This equipment is used to service the aircraft between flights. As the name suggests, ground support equipment is there to support the operations of aircraft while it is on the ground. The role this equipment plays generally involves ground power operations, aircraft mobility, as well as cargo and passenger loading operations.

Ground Handling

Many airlines subcontract ground handling to an airport or a handling agent, or even to another airline. Ground handling addresses the many service requirements of a passenger aircraft between the time it arrives at a terminal gate and the time it departs for its next flight. Speed, efficiency, and accuracy are important in ground handling services in order to minimize the turnaround time or the time during which the aircraft remains parked at the gate.

Ground Maintenance

Small airlines sometimes subcontract maintenance to a much larger and reputable carrier, as it is a short-term cheaper alternative to setting up an independent maintenance base. Some airlines may enter into a Maintenance and Ground Support Agreement (MAGSA) with each other, which is used by airlines to assess costs for maintenance and support to aircraft.

Ground Services

Most ground services are not directly related to the actual flying of the aircraft, and instead involve other service tasks. Cabin services ensure passenger comfort and safety. They include such tasks as cleaning the passenger cabin and replenishment of on-board consumables or washable items such as soap, pillows, tissues, blankets, and magazines. Security checks are also made to make sure no threats have been left on the aircraft.

Ground Equipment

Mercury ground support equipment comprises a diverse range of vehicles and equipment necessary to service aircraft during passenger and cargo loading and unloading, maintenance, and other ground-based operations. The wide range of activities associated with aircraft ground operations lead to an equally wide ranging fleet of GSE. For example, activities undertaken during a typical aircraft gate period include: cargo loading and unloading, potable water storage passenger loading and unloading, lavatory waste tank drainage, engine maintenance and aircraft refueling.