What Guinault does

Guinault is a French, family-owned industrial manufacturer specializing in aircraft ground support equipment and fixed airport infrastructure, headquartered in Saint-Cyr-en-Val near Orléans since its founding in 1949 by Maurice Guinault. The company designs, manufactures, and sells mobile ground power units (GPU), air conditioning units (ACU), air start units (ASU), and combined COMBO ACU/GPU units that together replicate the full functional envelope of an aircraft's auxiliary power unit, enabling parked aircraft to shut down their APUs entirely. Fixed-infrastructure offerings include static 400Hz frequency converters (SA) and 400Hz distribution systems (CC) for permanent installation at airport gates. Products are engineered to comply with ISO 1540 and MIL-STD-704F standards and span three verticals: civil aviation, airport operators, and military (including NATO), with the military segment representing approximately 25% of activity.

The core technology stack centers on power electronics, frequency conversion (50/60Hz grid to 400Hz aviation), lithium-ion battery integration for zero-emission GPUs, and electronically controlled variable-speed pneumatic compression for engine starting. The company's "APU OFF" philosophy and supporting hardware deliver quantified outcomes for customers: up to 80% CO2 reduction versus aircraft APU operation, 10x lower perceived noise (60–65 dBA versus 75–85 dBA), and airline savings in the hundreds of thousands of euros per aircraft annually. Newer offerings include battery-electric GPUs targeting airports pursuing radical energy transition, and an ultra-compact military ACU jointly developed with a qualified cooling partner.

Guinault operates an enterprise-field-sales go-to-market through international sales engineers distributing direct to airlines, airports, and armed forces in more than 100 countries, with machines deployed across 125 countries. Approximately 90% of revenue is generated outside France. Equipment is sold as custom-engineered solutions priced by configuration rather than via standard list pricing, with after-sales service and 7-day technical support delivered through wholly-owned subsidiary Guinault Lebrun. The company has been continuously profitable since 2003, growing at a 13% average annual rate to €51M revenue by 2017, and self-funds development by capitalizing the majority of operating results without external investment or parent-company control.

Name

Guinault

Legal name

GUINAULT SA

Website

https://guinault.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1949

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Guinault is a French family-owned manufacturer of aircraft ground support equipment (GPU, ACU, ASU) and fixed 400Hz airport infrastructure, founded in 1949, serving commercial airlines, airports, and military forces across 125 countries via direct enterprise sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aircraft Ground Support Equipment

NAICS

Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing (335311)

SIC

Switchgear & Switchboard Apparatus (3613), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)

akta.pro primary industry

AC-DC Power Supplies (Industrial PSUs, DIN-rail, enclosed/open-frame) (IMAGADAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Low-Voltage Switchboards & Panelboards (LV distribution panels, MCCs, switchboards) (IMAGAEAA), Industrial Control Cabinets & Power Distribution (Panels, Switchgear for Automation) (IMAHAHAK)

Keywords

• Aircraft ground support
• Ground power units
• Aviation power systems
• Aircraft air conditioning
• Air start compressors

Headquarters

HQ city

Saint-cyr-en-val

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Ground Support Equipment Manufacturing and Sales: Guinault designs, manufactures, and sells mobile and fixed ground support equipment for aircraft including GPU (Ground Power Units), ACU (Air Conditioning Units), ASU (Air Start Units), COMBO units, static frequency converters, and 400Hz distribution systems. Revenue is generated through one-time equipment sales to airports, airlines, and military forces. 90% of activities are generated outside the manufacturing country.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

Guinault designs, manufactures, and services mobile and fixed aircraft ground support equipment, including 400Hz ground power units (GPU), air conditioning units (ACU), air start units (ASU), combined ACU/GPU units, static frequency converters, and 400Hz distribution systems. Its APU OFF solution provides all auxiliary power unit functions from external equipment, enabling aircraft to shut down APUs while parked, with applications for civil aviation, airports, and military forces globally.

Product overview

Guinault is a manufacturer of aircraft ground support equipment organized around three product lines for Aviation (mobile equipment), Airport (fixed infrastructure), and Military applications. The core portfolio includes GPU (Ground Power Unit) for 400Hz electrical power, ACU (Air Conditioning Unit) for cabin climate control, ASU (Air Start Unit) for engine starting, and the COMBO ACU/GPU combined unit. Fixed equipment encompasses SA static frequency converters and CC distribution systems for permanent airport installations. The company's 'APU OFF' philosophy enables aircraft to operate without their Auxiliary Power Units, reducing fuel consumption, CO2 emissions by up to 80%, and noise by a factor of 10. Products are designed and manufactured in Saint-Cyr-en-Val near Orléans, France, with operations dating back to 1949.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Aviation GPU (Ground Power Unit) Mobile electrical generator providing 400Hz AC power (115/200V, 28-180 kVA) to aircraft on the ground, eliminating the need for the aircraft's APU. Available in diesel and electric battery (zero emission) versions for commercial airlines.
• Aviation ACU (Air Conditioning Unit) Mobile air conditioning unit providing cooling capacity (60-150 kW) for aircraft cabin and cockpit comfort during ground operations, designed for extreme climates from tropical to polar conditions.
• Aviation ASU (Air Start Unit) Pneumatic compressor unit providing compressed air (60-200 ppm at 40-50 psi) for jet engine starting, replacing the APU's starting function for civil aviation operators.
• COMBO ACU/GPU Combined mobile unit integrating GPU and ACU functions in a single chassis, optimizing tarmac space and reducing the number of ground support vehicles required.
• SA (Static 400Hz Frequency Converter) Fixed static frequency converter installed at gates and stands, converting 50/60Hz grid power to 400Hz aviation power without moving mechanical parts, offering superior reliability for airport infrastructure.
• CC (400Hz Distribution System) Fixed distribution unit controlling and distributing 400Hz power to multiple aircraft stands from a central location, with centralized supervision and electrical protection.
• Military GPU (Ground Power Unit) Military-specific Ground Power Unit conforming to MIL-STD-704F specifications, designed for robustness, thermal discretion, and operational mobility for armed forces.
• Military ACU (Air Conditioning Unit) Military-grade Air Conditioning Unit designed for harsh operational environments, ultra-compact with electronic control for military applications.
• Military ASU (Air Start Unit) Military Air Start Unit based on civilian models with special functions for extreme operating environments, electromagnetic compatibility, and airlift capability, covering requirements from 0 to 200 ppm.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to using aircraft APU
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Guinault LebruncoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGuinault Lebrun is the subsidiary company responsible for maintenance and technical after-sales support for all Guinault equipment installed worldwide. They guarantee operational availability of equipment 7 days a week, supporting the company's global installed base across 90 countries.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Powervamp: UK-based specialist in battery-powered GPUs and aviation ground power systems. Direct competitor in the emerging zero-emission battery GPU category where Guinault has also launched a product, with comparable focus on ramp and turnaround applications.
• Tronair: US-based manufacturer of ground support equipment including aircraft ground power equipment, jacks, and tow bars. Directly comparable to Guinault's GPU and military GSE product portfolio, particularly in North American defense and business aviation channels.
• JBT AeroTech: US-based division of JBT Corporation supplying GPUs, air conditioning units, and air start units to airlines, air cargo, and ground handling operators worldwide. Direct overlap with Guinault's full APU OFF product family in both commercial and military segments.
• Mallaghan: Northern Ireland-based manufacturer of airport ground support equipment including aircraft stairs, catering trucks, and de-icers. Adjacent-but-overlapping GSE peer serving the same commercial and military airport customers as Guinault, with a comparable mid-sized, privately held profile.
• Hitzinger: Austrian manufacturer of rotating UPS systems, frequency converters, and industrial power electronics. Closely comparable to Guinault's SA static frequency converter business and to GPU power electronics technology, with overlapping aerospace and industrial customers.
• ITW GSE: Division of Illinois Tool Works manufacturing ground power units and 400Hz fixed infrastructure (formerly Hobart Ground Power Systems). Direct competitor to Guinault in GPU sales and airport gate power installations globally.
• ADELTE: Spanish designer and manufacturer of airport ground support equipment including passenger boarding bridges and apron equipment. Comparable to Guinault's fixed airport infrastructure business (SA, CC) and the broader gate-side equipment scope at commercial airports.
• Aero Specialties: US-based ground support equipment manufacturer and distributor serving commercial, business, and military aviation. Direct competitor to Guinault in mobile GPUs and ACUs, with overlap in military and general aviation channels.
• TLD Group: French-headquartered global leader in aircraft ground support equipment, with directly overlapping product lines in GPUs, ACUs, ASUs, and tow tractors. Closest direct competitor to Guinault across both mobile and fixed 400Hz infrastructure for civil aviation, airports, and military applications.
• Cavotec: Swedish-listed company supplying 400Hz power systems, pre-conditioned air, and ground support equipment to airports and airlines. Directly comparable to Guinault's SA static frequency converters and CC 400Hz distribution product line.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Guinault