Top Aircraft Refuelling Trucks Manufacturers

The aviation industry relies on precision, safety, and efficiency in every aspect of its operations, and fueling is no exception. One of the most critical components of airport ground operations is the fleet of aircraft refuelling trucks, which deliver jet fuel safely and efficiently to aircraft on the ground.

Behind these vehicles are specialized aircraft refuelling trucks manufacturers, companies dedicated to designing, engineering, and producing equipment that meets the highest international standards for performance, safety, and compliance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the role of refuelling trucks, what makes a great manufacturer, and highlight the global leaders in this sector.

We’ll also examine the technologies shaping the future of airport refuelling trucks, including smart monitoring systems and sustainable fuel solutions.

Why Aircraft Refuelling Trucks Are Essential

Unlike fixed hydrant fueling systems found at major international airports, many airfields—especially regional, private, and military facilities—depend on mobile aircraft fuel trucks for their fueling operations. These trucks, equipped with high-capacity tanks, filtration systems, pumps, and meters, provide the flexibility to refuel aircraft wherever they are parked on the tarmac.

They play a critical role by:

• Ensuring safe delivery of jet fuel to different types of aircraft.
• Reducing turnaround times for airlines by offering fast, efficient refuelling.
• Providing flexible fueling solutions in airports without extensive hydrant infrastructure.
• Supporting military operations and remote airfields where mobility is essential.

Given these demands, aircraft refuelling trucks manufacturers must design equipment that balances safety, reliability, and efficiency with adaptability for different airport sizes and operational environments.

Key Features of Modern Airport Refuelling Trucks

Today’s airport refuelling trucks are far more advanced than the fuel bowsers of decades past. Leading manufacturers integrate cutting-edge technologies to meet international aviation fueling standards.

Some of the key features include:

• High-Capacity Tanks
  Trucks may carry anywhere from 5,000 to 85,000 liters of jet fuel, depending on airport needs.

• Advanced Filtration
  Multi-stage filtration ensures only clean, contamination-free fuel reaches aircraft tanks.

• Digital Metering Systems
  Modern jet fuel tanker manufacturers include computerized meters for accurate fuel measurement and reporting.

• Pump and Hose Assemblies
  Designed for efficiency, pumps can deliver thousands of liters per minute, while hoses and nozzles include safety mechanisms.

• Safety Systems
  Automatic emergency shutoff valves, grounding systems to prevent static discharge, and spill prevention technology.

• Operator-Friendly Controls
  Ergonomically designed panels with automation to minimize human error.

These features not only make fueling faster but also ensure compliance with strict aviation safety standards.

Top Aircraft Refuelling Trucks Manufacturers

Here are some of the world’s leading companies in the airport ground support equipment sector, particularly in the field of mobile aircraft fuel trucks:

ARC-Refuellers

ARC-Refuellers, formally known as Aircraft Refueller Company NV (ARC NV), is a Belgian-based company trusted as a manufacturer of aircraft refuelling trucks for both civil and defense aviation. Their portfolio includes mobile refuellers, hydrant dispensers, and specialist military-grade fuel trucks. ARC is widely respected for its precision engineering quality, customization capabilities, advanced safety systems, and strong presence in international defense contracts.

• Who Supplies NATO-Standard Aviation Fuel Trucks?

Key Products and Services

• Refuelling Vehicles: ARC NV designs and builds a range of refuelling vehicles, including rigid and articulated/semi-trailer fuelers, with capacities from 5,000 to 85,000 liters. They also offer electric (E-vehicles) options to support the energy transition in the industry.
• Hydrant Dispensers: The company provides vehicles designed to connect to airport hydrant systems to fuel aircraft.
• Military Applications: They develop custom-designed refuelling solutions tailored to the specific needs and harsh operating conditions of defense and military organizations.
• Maintenance and Repairs: ARC NV offers comprehensive after-sales services, including maintenance, repairs, inspections, meter calibration, and hose pressure testing, to ensure operational reliability and compliance with industry standards, such as JIG regulations.
• Vehicle Refurbishment: The company specializes in modernizing and upgrading existing refuelling vehicles to meet current safety and efficiency standards, extending their operational life.
• Engineering and Consultation: ARC NV provides engineering expertise, project management, and advisory services to help clients manage assets, ensure compliance, and optimize operational efficiency.
• Spare Parts: They offer a wide range of replacement components, including filtration systems, pumping equipment, hoses, nozzles, and metering equipment.

Garsite

Garsite, based in North America, is one of the oldest and most respected names in aircraft refuelling truck manufacturing. The company supplies a wide range of mobile fuel trucks and hydrant dispensers tailored to both commercial and military aviation. Their trucks are known for durability, safety, and advanced metering systems.

Esterer GmbH

Esterer GmbH is a German manufacturer with decades of expertise. Esterer produces state-of-the-art airport refuelling trucks and hydrant dispensers. Their vehicles are renowned for precision engineering, advanced safety systems, and compliance with the strictest global fueling standards.

Titan Aero Group (formerly Titan Aviation)

Headquartered in France, Titan Aviation is a global leader in jet fuel tanker manufacturing and aviation fueling solutions. They offer mobile refuellers, hydrant dispensers, and sustainable solutions for airports worldwide. Titan is particularly known for integrating smart technologies, such as telematics and automation, into its equipment.

SkyMark Refuelers

SkyMark Refuelers, based in the United States, specializes in producing mobile aircraft fuel trucks with capacities ranging from 1,000 to 15,000 gallons. Their trucks are highly customizable, designed for both small airports and major international hubs.

Westmor Industries

Another U.S.-based supplier, Westmor, builds a variety of fueling solutions, including aviation-specific trucks. Their vehicles combine robust construction with modern fuel monitoring systems, making them a trusted partner for many regional airports.

• Aircraft Ground Refueling Procedures: A Comprehensive Guide

Trends Shaping the Future of Aircraft Refuelling Trucks

The aviation fueling industry is evolving, and jet fuel tanker manufacturers are investing heavily in innovation. Some of the key trends include:

• Sustainable Fuel Adaptation: Trucks are being designed to handle sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels.
• Digitalization: Integration of IoT and telematics for real-time fuel monitoring and inventory management.
• Safety Enhancements: Smarter emergency systems and predictive maintenance to minimize risks.
• Green Ground Support: Airports are pushing for hybrid and electric refuelling vehicles to reduce carbon footprints.

These advancements demonstrate how manufacturers are preparing for the future of aviation, where sustainability and digital efficiency will be non-negotiable.

Challenges in the Market

While the demand for mobile aircraft fuel trucks is strong, manufacturers face certain challenges:

• Rising Costs: Advanced safety and digital systems add to production costs.
• Regulatory Pressure: Manufacturers must constantly adapt to evolving international fueling standards.
• Supply Chain Issues: Global events can disrupt the production and delivery of critical GSE.
• Sustainability Transition: Designing trucks compatible with renewable jet fuel requires new engineering approaches.

Despite these challenges, the global market for refuelling trucks is expanding as air travel rebounds and airports invest in modernization.

Conclusion

Aircraft refuelling truck manufacturers are at the heart of aviation fueling operations, supplying the essential vehicles that keep aircraft ready for takeoff. From global leaders like ARC, Garsite, Esterer, and Titan Aviation to emerging players in Asia and beyond, these companies are driving innovation in safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Electric Vehicle Coalition Models for Sustainable Ground Operations
• Electrifying Ground Operations with Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV)

As airports grow busier and environmental pressures increase, the demand for advanced airport refuelling trucks and sustainable solutions will only accelerate. With their commitment to engineering excellence and compliance with international standards, today’s jet fuel tanker manufacturers are shaping the future of fueling and ensuring aviation remains safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.