Top Manufacturers Driving the Aircraft Towing Equipment Market

The aircraft towing equipment market is witnessing strong growth as airports, airlines, and ground handling service providers prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability in aircraft movement operations. Aircraft towing equipment ranging from conventional tow tractors to advanced towbarless tugs plays a vital role in moving aircraft between gates, hangars, and taxiways without using their engines.

 

With the steady increase in global air traffic and expansion of airport infrastructure, demand for advanced towing and ground support equipment (GSE) is rising. The focus is shifting toward electric and hybrid towing systems, smart telematics, and automation to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and operational costs. Manufacturers across the globe are introducing innovative technologies to enhance maneuverability, speed, and safety during aircraft handling.

Below, we highlight the top global manufacturers driving innovation and shaping the future of the aircraft towing equipment market.

1. Textron Ground Support Equipment (TUG Technologies)

Textron GSE, under the umbrella of Textron Inc., is one of the leading players in the aircraft towing equipment market. The company’s TUG brand is synonymous with reliability and performance in ground handling operations.

Textron offers a wide range of tow tractors and towbarless tugs designed for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft. Its TUG ALPHA 4 and TUG GT-series tractors are widely used across airports worldwide for their durability and operator-friendly features. The company’s continuous investments in electric ground support vehicles (eGSE) highlight its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and modernizing airport fleets. Textron’s focus on ergonomics, safety, and global service support has established it as a trusted leader in aircraft towing solutions.

2. TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH

Based in Germany, TREPEL Airport Equipment GmbH is a globally recognized manufacturer of ground support and aircraft towing vehicles. The company offers an extensive portfolio of conventional tow tractors and towbarless aircraft tugs, including the CHARGER, Challenger, and Hydro series.

TREPEL’s innovation lies in its hydrostatic drive technology, enabling precise control and energy-efficient towing operations. The company’s products are compatible with a wide range of aircraft from regional jets to the Airbus A380. TREPEL’s growing emphasis on electric and hybrid models supports the industry’s transition toward green aviation operations, making it a key contributor to sustainable airport modernization.

3. Goldhofer AG

Goldhofer AG, headquartered in Germany, is a leading name in heavy-duty transport and ground handling solutions. The company’s Phoenix, AST, and Sherpa series aircraft tractors are designed to handle both small regional aircraft and large commercial jets.

Goldhofer is known for integrating smart control systems and advanced safety features into its products. Its towbarless tractors, in particular, have gained widespread adoption for their ability to reduce turnaround time and improve operational efficiency. The company’s commitment to electrification, demonstrated by its Phoenix E electric aircraft tractor, underscores its leadership in developing environmentally sustainable towing equipment for the aviation sector.

4. Tronair Inc.

Tronair, based in the United States, is a major manufacturer of aircraft ground support equipment, including towing and lifting systems. The company provides a comprehensive range of towbars, towbar heads, and electric and hydraulic tow tractors designed for commercial, business, and military aircraft.

Tronair’s strength lies in its customization capabilities, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific requirements of aircraft manufacturers and maintenance facilities. Its equipment is widely recognized for precision engineering, ease of use, and adherence to stringent safety standards. By continuously upgrading its product line with smart and efficient towing systems, Tronair maintains a strong presence in both domestic and international markets.

5. JBT AeroTech

JBT AeroTech, a division of John Bean Technologies Corporation, is a key player in the global aircraft towing equipment industry. The company designs and manufactures conventional and towbarless tractors that support efficient aircraft ground handling operations.

JBT’s B-Series tow tractors are engineered for heavy-duty performance, providing powerful towing capabilities for wide-body aircraft. The company’s focus on automation, connected technology, and energy-efficient designs aligns with the growing demand for intelligent ground handling systems. With its global service network and strong presence in major airports, JBT AeroTech continues to drive innovation in sustainable and high-performance towing solutions.

6. TLD Group (Alvest Group)

TLD Group, part of the Alvest Group, is among the most influential names in the airport ground support equipment market. The company manufactures a complete range of towbarless tractors, pushback tugs, and conventional towing systems used across major airports worldwide.

TLD’s TPX Series towbarless tractors are known for their high towing capacity and quick turnaround efficiency. The company also offers electric models, such as the TPX-100-E, supporting environmentally responsible ground operations. Through continuous R&D investments, TLD focuses on improving vehicle ergonomics, digital connectivity, and remote operation capabilities. Its extensive after-sales service network ensures reliability and uptime for airport operators globally.

7. Kalmar Motor AB

Kalmar Motor AB, a Swedish manufacturer, has earned a strong reputation for developing electric and hybrid towbarless aircraft tractors. Its product lineup, including the TBL-series, is designed to deliver efficient and emission-free towing solutions for both narrow- and wide-body aircraft.

Kalmar’s hybrid towing systems combine diesel and electric propulsion, allowing operators to reduce fuel consumption and emissions without compromising performance. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has made it a preferred choice for airports seeking to transition toward cleaner ground support fleets. With a focus on safety, efficiency, and reliability, Kalmar Motor continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of aircraft towing.

8. Charlatte Manutention (Alvest Group)

Part of the Alvest Group, Charlatte Manutention specializes in manufacturing electric and diesel-powered ground support vehicles, including tow tractors and cargo tugs. The company’s CTE and CTX series are widely used for aircraft towing and baggage handling operations.

Charlatte is recognized for its innovation in electric towing technologies, offering zero-emission vehicles that meet stringent airport sustainability goals. Its global presence and long-standing partnerships with airlines and airport authorities have established it as a reliable manufacturer in the aircraft towing segment. By focusing on energy efficiency and cost-effective performance, Charlatte continues to support the aviation industry’s green transition.

9. Mototok International GmbH

Mototok International, based in Germany, is redefining aircraft towing with its fully electric, remote-controlled towbarless tugs. The company’s products, such as the Twin Series and Spacer Series, are engineered for both commercial and business aviation applications.

Mototok’s unique wireless control technology allows operators to maneuver aircraft with precision, reducing manpower and eliminating the need for a conventional cockpit crew. Its electric tugs offer zero-emission operation, making them ideal for hangar movements and maintenance facilities. By combining automation, sustainability, and compact design, Mototok represents the next generation of aircraft towing technology.

10. Airtug LLC

Airtug LLC, based in the United States, is a specialized manufacturer focusing on compact and easy-to-operate electric aircraft tugs for general aviation and smaller aircraft. Its equipment is designed for efficiency, simplicity, and operator safety, serving flight schools, private hangars, and small airports.

Airtug’s models, such as the E-Series and DC Electric tugs, are popular for their quiet operation, zero emissions, and minimal maintenance. The company’s dedication to sustainable and user-friendly towing solutions makes it a prominent name in the niche segment of light aircraft towing equipment.

Conclusion

The aircraft towing equipment market is advancing rapidly, driven by the aviation industry’s growing focus on efficiency, sustainability, and automation. Leading manufacturers such as Textron GSE, TREPEL, Goldhofer, Tronair, JBT AeroTech, TLD, Kalmar Motor, Charlatte, Mototok, and Airtug are pioneering innovations that redefine aircraft movement operations at airports worldwide.

From electric and hybrid propulsion systems to autonomous towing technologies, these companies are reshaping the standards of ground handling safety and performance. As airports continue to expand and environmental regulations tighten, the demand for energy-efficient, low-emission towing equipment is set to grow substantially.

The future of the aircraft towing equipment market lies in the convergence of sustainability, digital connectivity, and intelligent automation, ensuring that airport operations remain safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.