Aircraft Towing
Sourcing Aircraft Towing
Aircraft towing services play a critical role in day-to-day airport operations, helping operators safely reposition aircraft between hangars, maintenance facilities, stands and operational areas without using engine power. Whether you are arranging towing for a light piston aircraft, turboprop, business jet or larger commercial platform, this page brings together aviation companies offering professional aircraft towing support across a range of airports and operational environments. Providers listed on AvPay may offer conventional towbar towing, towbarless towing, hangar repositioning, recovery support, maintenance movements and ground handling coordination, allowing operators, FBOs, maintenance teams and aircraft owners to source suitable towing support quickly and efficiently.
Helpful Hints when Aircraft Towing
✈ Confirm the towing provider has experience with your exact aircraft type, as towing limits, nose gear tolerances and towbar requirements vary significantly between manufacturers and models.
✈ Always verify whether the airport requires prior movement approval or escort coordination before arranging towing operations across active taxiways or controlled apron areas.
✈ Check if the provider supplies certified tow bars or towbarless equipment suitable for your aircraft, particularly for larger business jets and regional aircraft with specific handling limitations.
✈ Request confirmation of insurance cover and airside operating approvals before booking, especially if towing will take place at larger commercial or security-controlled airports.
✈ Ask about response times during adverse weather, as heavy rain, snow, strong winds and icy apron conditions can affect aircraft movement schedules and towing availability.
✈ If the aircraft is unserviceable, confirm whether the towing company can support brake bypass procedures, maintenance positioning and coordination with engineering personnel.
✈ Ensure clear communication regarding hangar door dimensions, wingtip clearances and parking layouts to reduce the risk of delays or repositioning complications on arrival.
✈ For out-of-hours towing requests, confirm whether additional callout charges apply and whether the provider can support late-night or early-morning aircraft movements.
What to Consider when Choosing a Provider
When selecting an aircraft towing provider, it is important to assess their experience with your aircraft category, the type of towing equipment they operate and their familiarity with the airport where the movement will take place. Availability outside standard operating hours, airside permits, insurance cover and turnaround times can all have a direct impact on operational efficiency, particularly for maintenance movements, AOG situations and business aviation departures. Operators should also consider whether the provider can support towbarless towing, hangar repositioning and coordination with ground handling or maintenance teams where required. Through AvPay listings, users can contact providers directly by phone, email or WhatsApp, while clicking on an organisation’s name allows you to explore their full company profile and additional aviation services.
Market your Aircraft Towing Services on AvPay
AvPay helps aircraft towing providers increase visibility across the global aviation industry by connecting services directly with aircraft operators, FBOs, maintenance organisations and airport users actively searching for operational support. A professional company profile allows you to showcase towing capabilities, airport coverage, equipment types and additional ground handling services while generating direct enquiries from aviation professionals worldwide. Whether you support light aircraft, business aviation or commercial movements, AvPay provides a straightforward way to strengthen your online presence within a highly targeted aviation marketplace.
➤ List your Company and Services on AvPay
Frequently Asked Questions when Searching for Aircraft Towing
✈ Do aircraft towing companies provide tow bars?
Many aircraft towing providers supply compatible tow bars or towbarless equipment, although operators should always confirm compatibility with their specific aircraft model before booking.
✈ Can aircraft towing services support AOG situations?
Yes, many providers support Aircraft on Ground movements including repositioning unserviceable aircraft to maintenance hangars or engineering facilities.
✈ Are aircraft towing services available outside normal airport hours?
Some providers operate 24/7 or offer out-of-hours callouts, although availability can depend on airport operating restrictions and staffing levels.
✈ What types of aircraft can be towed?
Aircraft towing companies may support everything from light GA aircraft and helicopters through to large business jets, turboprops and commercial airliners depending on their equipment.
✈ Is towbarless towing safer than conventional towing?
Towbarless towing can reduce equipment handling time and minimise towbar connection risks, although both methods are widely used when operated correctly by trained personnel.
✈ Do I need airport approval before arranging aircraft towing?
At many airports, towing movements require apron control coordination or prior approval, particularly within controlled movement areas or commercial terminals.
✈ Can towing providers move aircraft into hangars?
Yes, many companies regularly perform hangar positioning and confined-space manoeuvring for maintenance organisations, FBOs and private operators.
✈ What information should I provide when requesting a towing quote?
It helps to provide the aircraft type, airport location, towing distance, movement timing and whether the aircraft is serviceable or undergoing maintenance.
Common Aircraft Towing Equipment Explained
Aircraft towing equipment is used to reposition aircraft safely on the ground without running engines, protecting personnel, reducing fuel burn and supporting efficient ramp, hangar and maintenance operations. The right equipment depends on aircraft weight, nose gear design, available space, surface conditions and the type of movement required.
✈ Towbars remain one of the most widely used aircraft towing tools, connecting the tug to the aircraft nose gear through the correct head or adaptor for that specific aircraft type.
✈ Towbarless tugs lift or cradle the nose wheel directly, reducing the need for separate towbar storage and helping operators complete frequent repositioning tasks more efficiently.
✈ Electric aircraft tugs are increasingly popular for hangars, FBOs and maintenance facilities because they offer quieter operation, lower local emissions and precise low-speed control.
✈ Conventional diesel or gas-powered tugs are still widely used for heavier aircraft, longer apron movements and demanding airport environments where high drawbar pull is required.
✈ Wing walkers, headset communication systems and marshalling equipment are just as important as the tug itself, especially when moving aircraft in tight hangars or congested apron areas.
✈ Wheel chocks, brake release equipment and steering bypass pins are often needed before or after towing, depending on aircraft type, maintenance status and manufacturer procedures.
✈ Recovery dollies and specialised lifting equipment may be required when an aircraft has a damaged tyre, locked brake, collapsed gear issue or cannot be moved by standard towing methods.
✈ Before any aircraft movement, operators should confirm tow limits, steering angles, attachment points and brake procedures against the aircraft manual or approved ground handling guidance.