Oshkosh AeroTechhas delivered the 7,000th Lektro towbarless aircraft tractor, a Lektro 88i delivered to US FBO chain Atlantic Aviation. The milestone comes after the Lektro product line's 80th anniversary in 2025, reinforcing the brand's long legacy of electric towbarless innovation and its role in supporting modern, connected and sustainable ground operations worldwide.

Founded in 1945, Lektro products have grown into one of the aviation industry's most recognisable brands of electric towbarless tractors, with units operating at FBOs, commercial airports, OEM test facilities and military installations around the world. The Lektro 88i towbarless tractor, delivered to Atlantic Aviation at Opa-Locka Executive airport in Miami, Florida represents the next step in Lektro's product evolution, combining durable design with quiet, zero-emissions operation and intuitive controls suited for busy ramp environments.

“Reaching 7,000 Lektro units is a testament to decades of customer trust and our team's commitment to continuous advancement,” says Ranjit Nair, president of Oshkosh AeroTech. “Coming off the Lektro product line's 80th anniversary, this milestone underscores the brand's ongoing impact on ground operations and its place within Oshkosh AeroTech's broader portfolio of electric, connected and autonomous solutions.”

“Safety is at the core of everything we do at Atlantic, and Oshkosh AeroTech's Lektro products have been a key contributor to that standard. Their ongoing commitment to quality and innovation helps us deliver on the promise we make to every customer who trusts us,” adds Tim Bannon, chief operating officer at Atlantic Aviation. “We're proud to celebrate this achievement together and look forward to many more milestones ahead.”

The milestone unit showcases features that support efficient and predictable towbarless operations, including precise electric drive control, robust battery capacity and an operator-focused layout designed for consistent handling across aircraft types.

“Atlantic Aviation has relied on Lektro tractors and collaborated with us to implement design improvements for many years, so delivering this milestone unit to its team carries special meaning,” states Jesse Long, global director, general aviation and Lektro product sales. “The Lektro 88i reflects everything the Lektro product line stands for: durability, versatility, simplicity and quiet electric operation suited for demanding daily use. We're proud to mark this achievement with a customer that has supported the brand for so long.”

The 7,000-unit milestone highlights the strength of the Lektro product line's long-term presence in electric towbarless towing. Today, the brand operates as part of Oshkosh AeroTech, providing customers with access to expanded capabilities including: robust airport services including baggage and handling operations, maintenance, facilities management and more

- Gate equipment such as Jetway passenger boarding bridges, Jetpower ground power, JetDock autonomous bridge docking and JetAire PCA units; expansive GSE with well-established brands such as Lektro towbarless tractors, Tempest deicers, AmpCart charging stations, cargo loaders, transporters, electric GSE and more; connected monitoring and analytics through the iOPS intelligent monitoring system; and emerging autonomous and robotics platforms supporting airport safety and efficiency.

Through these combined offerings and global aftermarket support network, Oshkosh AeroTech supports airports, FBOs, airlines and military operators seeking modern, connected and sustainable solutions.

The Lektro 88i provides quiet, precise aircraft handling for a wide variety of commercial, military and general aviation aircraft. Known for its low maintenance requirements, versatility and intuitive electric operation, the machine supports: zero-emission operation, all-electric towing; high-visibility operator positioning; multi-aircraft adaptability without towbar changes; and proven reliability in heavy-use environments.

“These features, combined with Oshkosh AeroTech's proven reliability, versatility and exceptional product support, make the Lektro 88i the ideal addition to the Atlantic Aviation fleet,” says Todd Smith, SVP of risk and safety at Atlantic Aviation. “This investment reinforces our commitment to elevating safety, consistency and operational excellence across our entire network today and in the years to come.”

“From a maintenance perspective, our GSE manager is particularly enthusiastic about the upgraded diagnostic capabilities, which will streamline troubleshooting and keep the unit available and productive,” adds Juan Londono, general manager at Atlantic Aviation Miami/Opa-Locka.

The Lektro 88i and other Lektro models continue to play a significant role in electrified ground operations worldwide, with airports across North America, Europe and Asia integrating the technology into long-term sustainability and efficiency initiatives.