Airport electric tugs

FAQs: Your questions, answered

Do electric tugs require a licence to operate in an airport environment?

No, electric tugs do not require a license to operate. A license-free operation makes electric tugs an attractive option for airports looking to streamline the movement of loads and improve safety.  

Minimal training is required to safely operate an electric tug and we offer training packages to suit every requirement.    

How are electric tugs powered?   

Electric tugs are battery powered, with interchangeable batteries or lithium options available, electric tugs can deliver 24/7 operation to keep your processes moving.

Offering zero emissions from the point of use, electric tugs are ideally suited for indoor use.

How do electric tugs connect? 

A range of coupling options are available across the range that maximise performance, security and safety.

Custom coupling solutions can also be designed for unique applications.     

What types of loads can electric tugs move at an airport?

Electric tugs are used across a wide range of airport applications. Common applications include:

• Baggage trailers and dollies

• Ground power units (GPUs)
• Catering carts, waste, and water trolleys
• Retail roll cages for terminal deliveries
• Ground support equipment (GSE) in maintenance workshops

MasterMover electric tugs are also used to reposition heavy maintenance equipment, towed vehicles, and other airport infrastructure in confined workshop and hangar environments where space is limited and manual handling is a risk.

Can electric tugs be used both inside the terminal and in airside or workshop environments?

Yes. MasterMover electric tugs are designed to operate effectively across all airport zones - from terminal concourses and retail back-of-house areas, to airside aprons, GSE workshops, and maintenance facilities. Different models are suited to different environments; the AllTerrain range is designed to handle challenging outdoor conditions and varied surfaces, while compact models such as the SmartMover are ideal for manoeuvring through busy terminal spaces. Our team can advise on the right solution for your specific environment and operational requirements.

How many operators are required to move a heavy baggage trailer with an electric tug?

One. Moving heavy baggage trailers and similar ground equipment manually can require upwards of three people - creating serious injury risk and pulling skilled staff away from productive work. A MasterMover electric tug enables a single operator to safely move the same loads, eliminating the need for manual force entirely. We recently helped Manchester Airport Group turn a 3-man trailer moving process into a single operator task, boosting their productivity by 200%.

Can electric tugs be configured to work with specific airport equipment hitches?

Yes. MasterMover offers in-house custom engineering services, including the design and manufacture of customised coupling and hitch solutions.