Aircraft Towing Equipment Market - Size, Share, Industry Trends, and Forecasts (2025-2032)

By Equipment Type:

Based on the equipment type, the market is segmented into Tow Bar, Tow Tractor, Towbarless Equipment, Electric Towing Equipment, and Others.

Trends in the equipment type:

• The growing global need for air travel is a significant catalyst for change. An increase in flights leads to a heightened need for efficient ground handling, including aircraft towing.
• Airlines are consistently expanding their fleets to satisfy passenger demand, necessitating the procurement of additional towing equipment to manage the larger volume of aircraft.
• Modern towing equipment features safety enhancements such as automatic braking systems, better visibility, and improved manoeuvrability, all of which contribute to safer ground operations.

The towbar segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 35.69% in the year 2024.

• The rising growth in international tourism and domestic air travel has prompted low-cost carriers to expand their fleets to accommodate the requirement for aircraft towbars.
• Low-cost carriers' fees are more affordable than those of full-service airlines, appealing to a growing number of consumers, especially budget-conscious travellers. Consequently, with more low-cost carriers, including Southwest Airlines, AirAsia, Indigo, and SpiceJet, planning to enlarge their aircraft fleets, the segment is projected to experience substantial growth throughout the forecast period.
• These factors would further drive the aircraft towing equipment market during the forecast period.

The tow tractor segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• The growing need for technologically advanced aircraft ground support equipment has prompted airports and airlines to invest in sophisticated tractors.
• With the rise in air travel and an increase in the number of airports worldwide, there is a need for more towed solutions. Furthermore, developing countries are enhancing their ground support facilities, enabling manufacturers to promote more advanced towing tractors.
• For instance, Oshkosh AeroTech is broadening its range of conventional tow tractors. The company started manufacturing the B-series of diesel-powered tractors and is adding all-electric versions to that product line. Oshkosh AeroTech's tractors would be designed to service a wide range of aircraft, from the B737 to the A380, making them ideal for high-traffic ramps.
• Thus, based on the analysis these factors and developments are driving the aircraft towing equipment market size and trends during the forecast period.

By Power Source:

Based on the power source, the market is segmented into Internal Combustion Engine, Electric, and Hybrid.

Trends in power source:

• In recent years, electric towing vehicles have gained considerable popularity. They provide several benefits, such as zero emissions, diminished noise pollution, and reduced operating expenses. Progress in battery technology is further propelling the adoption of electric tugs.
• Hybrid tugs merge the advantages of both internal combustion engines (ICE) and electric powertrains. They can run on electricity for shorter distances and transition to the ICE engine for longer trips or when greater power is necessary.

The electric segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024 and is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

• Electric systems employ battery-powered motors, ensuring clean and quiet operation ideal for environmentally sensitive locations such as airports and their adjacent communities.
• Advancements in battery technology and electric motor design have made fully electric aircraft tugs more viable and cost-effective. Further, enhancements in energy density, charging times, and overall performance have increased the feasibility and attractiveness of these solutions, making them more attractive option for airports and ground handling service providers.
• Electric tow tractors, for example, generate zero emissions and operate more quietly than their non-electric counterparts. The integration of electric technology supports the industry's overarching trend toward sustainability and minimizing carbon footprints, which is especially crucial in the aviation sector recognized for its environmental impact.
• In October 2024, Biju Patnaik International Airport, deployed electric vehicles to tow aircraft between aprons and runway holding points. Currently, the aircrafts operating at the airport are reaching the aprons from holding points under their own power. After the new system is implemented at the airport, they will be towed to the aprons by electric vehicles. They will not only reduce emissions but also conserve fuel for the airlines.
• Therefore, based on the above aircraft towing equipment market analysis, the electric segment will be dominating the market during the forecast period.

By Application:

Based on the application, the market is segmented into Commercial Aviation, Military Aviation, and Private Aviation.

Trends in the Application:

• Stringent environmental regulations and policies are driving airports and airlines to adopt more sustainable ground handling equipment.
• Airlines continually aim to reduce aircraft turnaround times to enhance utilization and profitability. Effective towing equipment is essential for this purpose.
• The incorporation of technologies such as GPS, telematics, and remote-control systems is improving operational efficiency by refining tracking, optimizing routes, and reducing the need for human intervention.

Commercial aviation segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024.

• Commercial airlines and airports use aircraft towing equipment for standard ground handling activities related to passenger and cargo operations. This involves towing aircraft to and from gates, hangars, and maintenance facilities, in addition to positioning them for refuelling and servicing.
• As the global aviation sector evolves and expands, there is a rising need for efficient and dependable ground handling equipment, such as towbar tractors and towbarless tractors. Airports and airlines are looking for towing solutions that improve operational efficiency, shorten turnaround times, and lessen disruptions to flight schedules, thereby fostering the adoption of advanced towing technologies and services.
• In June 2023, Lokpriyo Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, launched its first electric towing equipment to handle operations on the ground. Indigo is the first airline to implement the service at the airport, adhering to the mandate set by the officials at Guwahati airport to replace all feasible conventional fuel-based vehicles with electric alternatives as swiftly as possible.
• These factors would further supplement the aircraft towing equipment market trends during the forecast period.

The military aviation segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• In the military sector, the need for aircraft towing equipment is fuelled by defense budgets, military modernization initiatives, and operational needs.
• Military entities require durable and adaptable towing solutions that can accommodate diverse aircraft types, such as fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters, across various operational settings. The enhancement of expeditionary capabilities and the necessity for swift deployment and repositioning of military assets highlight the critical role of dependable and nimble towing equipment in military operations.
• These factors would further supplement the aircraft towing equipment market trends during the forecast period.

By End User:

Based on end user, the aircraft towing equipment market is segmented into Airports and Military Bases.

Trends in the end user:

• The continually rising global air traffic is a significant factor driving the need for aircraft towing equipment. As passenger and cargo volumes increase, airports require more efficient ground handling operations, leading to a need for a larger fleet of towing vehicles.
• The aging aircraft fleet globally is resulting in heightened maintenance needs. Consequently, this is increasing the need for towing equipment to transport aircraft between hangars and maintenance facilities.
• These trends would further drive the market during the forecast period.

airports segment accounted for the largest revenue share in the year 2024

• Governments and private organizations are aggressively investing in constructing new airports and upgrading existing facilities to accommodate air traffic. These projects create a robust requirement for several types of towing equipment, such as electric and hybrid solutions.
• The use of data analytics is becoming increasingly important in airport operations. Data collected from towing equipment can be used to optimize routes, enhance maintenance schedules, and improves overall efficiency.
• These factors and analysis would further supplement the Aircraft Towing equipment market during the forecast period.

military bases segment is anticipated to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

• High levels of security are essential at military bases. Towing equipment may include features like restricted access controls and advanced security systems.
• In many instances, military personnel are trained and designated to operate aircraft towing equipment. These individuals participate in extensive training to guarantee the safe and efficient operation of these vehicles.
• Several military bases may engage civilian ground handling companies to supply aircraft towing services. In these situations, civilian personnel who are trained and certified to operate the equipment are utilized.
• These factors and analysis would further supplement the aircraft towing equipment market share during the forecast period.