Aircraft Tugs Market
Aircraft Tugs Market By Handling Capacity (Up to 50 Tons, 51-150 Tons, 151-260 Tons), By Type (Conventional, Towbarless), By Fuel (Diesel, Gas, Electric), By Aircraft Type (Civil, Cargo, Military, Executive Jet)- Global Market Insights 2021 to 2031
Analysis of Aircraft Tugs market covering 30 + countries including analysis of US, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Nordics, GCC countries, Japan, Korea and many more
Aircraft Tugs Market Outlook
The global aircraft tugs market is projected to expand at a steady CAGR of more than 4% over the 2021 to 2031 assessment period. Though diesel aircraft tugs are the most widely used, emergence of electric aircraft tugs is lending impetus to market growth.
With increasing number of airports and aircraft fleets, the requirement of towing tugs such as conventional towbar tugs and towbarless tugs has increased. Growing potential of electric aircraft tugs has compelled manufacturers to launch new products in the electric segment. High demand for aircraft tugs for ground support of civil aircrafts is expected to boost market growth over the coming years.
In its latest revised study, Fact.MR offers insights about key factors fueling the demand for aircraft tugs. The report tracks global sales in 20+ high-growth markets. The report also analyzes the impact of COVID-19 has had on the aviation industry in general, and on aircraft tugs in particular. This edition (2021-2031) brings readers up-to-date with key market developments, providing analysis on how manufacturers and other stakeholders are reacting to change. The study also expands on the previous competitive landscape section, and readers will get to know the key strategies of established players as well as new entrants.
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Historical Trends Vs. Future Market Outlook
In recent years, manufacturers of aircraft tugs have faced challenges related to the durability and quality of the product, product availability, price concerns, and pollution control in conventional tugs. The market has gained pace as companies launched advanced ground support equipment products and ensured their availability across the globe for end users.
The use of electric aircraft tugs at various airports and aviation bases, which are controlled automatically with the help of remote-enabled systems, is becoming more common. Several other new features by existing as well as emerging companies are likely to attract more airline companies and airports, which is a driving factor for the demand and sales of aircraft tugs. Companies around the world are following this emerging trend to keep pace with the dynamic market environment.
Owing to the ongoing crisis caused by COVID-19, production and supply chain activities have seen a slump. Yet, demand for aircraft tugs will increase with economic recovery post-pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the global economy at various levels, and the impact is seen on the manufacturing industry as well. With a number of end users affected in regions such as North America, East Asia, and Asia Pacific, supply and shortage in demand are expected to result in significant drop in Y-O-Y growth. Yet, Fact.MR expects growth of the global aircraft tugs to be at over 4% CAGR through 2031.
What is the Commercial Potential of Aircraft Tugs?
Aircraft tugs are used by civil aircraft, cargo aircraft, military aircraft, and large business jets, with various applications such as towing small, medium, and large aircraft and military helicopters, putting aircraft in their storage space, and taking them to where repair and maintenance is done. Aircraft tug manufacturing companies are focused on bringing innovative green technology and eco-friendliness in their products due to the rising need for emission control and safety measures in the aviation market.
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Which Recent Trends are Impacting Aircraft Tug Sales?
Demand growth for aircraft tugs is being aided by increasing emphasis on sustainable solutions, advanced technology, and operation-efficient towing tugs in many countries. Growing demand for electric aircraft tugs around the world will continue to boost overall sales of aircraft tugs. Due to benefits in terms of operational efficiency and time reduction, electric aircraft tugs have been becoming very popular across regions. With growing number of aircraft towing tug suppliers in the aviation industry, the market is expected to expand rapidly across various emerging regions. Furthermore, focus of governments on strengthening the aviation sector has been a boon to aircraft tug manufacturers.
Country-wise Insights
What’s Driving Aircraft Tugs Sales in the U.S?
The U.S market is likely to expand at a CAGR close to 4%, with an estimated absolute opportunity in the market value of US$ 96.1 million during the forecast period. Due to substantial sales of aircraft tugs in the United States, different market players have launched new dimensions and designs with added features in recent years. Manufacturers are introducing products that are designed to last a long time, require little maintenance, and are rust-free throughout their lifetime. U.S. aircraft tug manufacturers are relying more on product development, investment in manufacturing facilities, and research & development. The U.S. also has a growing number of emerging and leading aircraft ground support equipment manufacturers, which is the aircraft market expand at a steady rate.
What are the Market Projections for the U.K?
The U.K. is set to become one of the most attractive markets for aircraft tugs over the coming years, expanding at a CAGR of 4.5%, with the estimated absolute opportunity in the market value of US$ 23.8 million during the forecast period. The country accounts for a significant market share and basis points in the European market. Aviation companies in the country are focused on strong collaboration and cooperation between sales, service, R&D, and workshop management. Thus, the U.K. is expected to witness substantial market growth in the future with these changing market situations.
How is India Faring in the Market for Aircraft tugs?
India has been rapidly deploying advanced digital technologies in manufacturing to optimize the potential of its manufacturing processes. Furthermore, increased investments in the aviation industry, growing per capita income, more manufacturing centers and facilities, and growing consumer preference for air travel are likely to have a positive impact demand for aircraft tugs in the country. With growing aviation infrastructure and distributors, changing economic regulation in terms of emission control, safety, and price fluctuations, India is projected to become a lucrative market for aircraft tugs over the coming years.
What Makes China a Lucrative Market for Aircraft Tugs?
Amongst the three countries in East Asia - China, Japan, and South Korea, China resembles a fast-growing market for aircraft tugs, expanding at a CAGR of around 5%, with the estimated absolute opportunity in the market value of US$ 54.5 million during the forecast period. The country accounts for the highest market share of nearly half of the total market in East Asia. Aircraft tug manufacturers and suppliers in China are putting in their best efforts to develop their network and distribution of aircraft tugs through strategic collaborations and service support in the entire region. Thus, China is expected to emerge as a lucrative market for aircraft tugs in the new phase of globalization, despite challenges related to fluctuation in prices and stringent regulations.
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Category-wise Insights
Which Aircraft Type Holds the Highest Growth Potential for Aircraft Tugs?
The aircraft tugs industry is divided into various categories based on application in various aircraft types, such as civil, cargo, military, and business executive jets. The civil aircraft type segment is majorly responsible for demand growth of ground support equipment such as tugs, tractors, etc. The main reasons is linked with end use and application in large numbers. Aircrafts tugs are widely used for the movement of civil aircraft into the airports for inspection and repair work. Aircraft are also positioned to their storage shelters, which requires aircraft pushback tugs and tractors. There has also been high application of tugs at military air bases where military aircraft and helicopters are moved at the terminals. With high investment, growing number of OEM aircraft tug manufacturers, and high application of aircraft tugs at civil and military airbases, the market is likely to see an upward trend over the coming years.
Which Aircraft Tugs Hold Higher Significance by Handling Capacity?
There are different weights assigned to aircraft tugs based on their handling capacity and application for ground support at airport terminals. These weights are up to 50 tons, 51 to 150 tons, 151-260 tons, and more than 260 tons. Among all these weights, 151-260 ton aircraft tugs hold a major market value share. The main reason being growing large aircraft fleet size and their quantity in the aviation industry, which requires heavy weight tugs for providing ground handling support at airport stations.
Why Do Towbarless Tugs Experience Highest Sales?
Towbarless tugs have high importance in terms of revenue as airline companies and airports are growing at a faster pace. Moreover, there is high requirement for efficient electric towbarless tugs with remote controlled technology, which brings better operational efficiency and performance for end users. Thus, electric towbarless tugs and tractors are expected to experience high sales over the coming years.
Which Type of Fuel is Mostly Used for Aircraft Tugs?
Generally, aircraft tugs are operated with three varieties of fuel - diesel, gas, and electricity. Amongst these three fuel types, diesel-enabled aircraft tugs have the highest market share due to wide application in ground support of fleets at airports. But, over the coming years, electric aircraft tugs will gain major importance due to increasing urgency of emission control and eco-friendly environment.
Competitive Landscape
The worldwide aircraft tugs market is moderately competitive in nature, with the presence of a large number of players operating in the landscape. Major players are taking steps to expand their businesses and their market share. During the forecast period, foreign players are expected to expand their presence through acquisitions. Improvements in the global economic situation and expanding aviation industry in emerging economies are expected to drive market growth, encouraging players to launch new products across regions.
Some of the key players in the aircraft tugs market are:
- Textron GSE
- JBT Corporation
- TREPEL Aircraft Equipment GmbH
- TLD Group SAS
- Kalmar Motor AB
- Mulag Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wössner GmbH u. Co. KG
- Tronair Inc.
- Mototok International GmbH
- Airtug LLC
- Goldhofer AG
Targeted acquisitions and improved product offerings with advanced technology are key for sustaining in the market.
- JBT Corporation teamed up with ADVEEZ to provide improved ground support equipment monitoring and location tracking on its GSE products. Through this merger, JBT offers factory-installed ADVEEZ FAMA systems on many of its products such as pushback tractors, loaders, deicers, and others.
- TREPEL Aircraft Equipment GmbH acquired Towbarless Technology from GHH for growing its position to offer customers the whole range of aircraft tractors - conventional aircraft tugs as well as towbarless aircraft tugs. All kinds of aircraft moving, from pushback to high speed maintenance towing, can be performed by a TREPEL tractor.
- TLD announced a partnership with EasyMile to develop TractEasy, which is the first autonomous baggage tractor. JET-16 is a standard in zero-emission ramp solution suiting a wide range of applications, from airport baggage handling to industrial uses. It offers a drawbar pull ranging from 3,500 lb to 4,400 lb. It allows progressive acceleration, high speeds over long distances, and overall excellent towing performances.
Attribute |
Details |
Forecast Period |
2021-2031 |
Historical Data Available for |
2016-2020 |
Market Analysis |
US$ Mn for Value |
Key Regions Covered |
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Key Countries Covered |
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Key Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled |
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Key Market Segments Covered
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By Product :
- Conventional/Towbar Aircraft Tugs
- Towbarless Aircraft Tugs
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By Handling Capacity :
- Up to 50 Ton Power Aircraft Tugs
- 51-150 Ton Power Aircraft Tugs
- 151-260 Ton Power Aircraft Tugs
- More than 260 Ton Power Aircraft Tugs
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By Fuel :
- Diesel Aircraft Tugs
- Gas Aircraft Tugs
- Electric Aircraft Tugs
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By Aircraft :
- Tugs for Civil Aircraft
- Tugs for Cargo Aircraft
- Tugs for Military Aircraft
- Tugs for Executive Jets
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By Region :
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- East Asia
- South Asia & Pacific
- Middle East & Africa
- FAQs -
Q1. Which region will continue to be the most lucrative regional market for aircraft tug manufacturers in the aviation industry?
North America and Europe are currently leading the global market for aircraft tugs. Sales in Europe and North America will be more than the other regions as there is huge investments in terms of aviation infrastructure and supply chains in these regions.
Q2. Which is the most prominent aircraft tug?
As per Fact.MR’s projections, towbarless tugs account for a significant market share, especially due to intense market penetration and increasing demand for electric towbarless tugs across prominent regions.
Q3. How are aircraft tugs operated at airport terminals?
Aircraft tugs are attached to aircraft and military vehicles, and can be used on a regular basis. Small light aircraft, medium and large aircraft, cargo aircraft, executive jets, military moving equipment, and vehicles can all be towed with this type of a
Q4. Which are some of the leading aircraft tug manufacturers?
Some of the leading companies manufacturing aircraft tugs are Textron GSE, JBT Corporation, TREPEL Aircraft Equipment GmbH, TLD Group SAS, Kalmar Motor AB, MULAG Fahrzeugwerk Heinz Wössner GmbH u. Co. KG, Tronair Inc., Mototok International GmbH, Airtug L
Q.5. How are strategic moves by leading aircraft tug manufacturers shaping the market?
Aircraft tug manufacturing companies and their distributors are the main constituents with which the global market is reaching new heights. Many leading aircraft tug manufacturers are focusing on strategic acquisitions, tie-ups, and collaborations with lo