Story ID: 272 Lektro.doc
Lektro Continues Growth with Embraer Approvals
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The company credits its largest aircraft tug for helping spur a 65-percent jump in sales.
Word Count: 187
Lektro (Booth P115) recently secured Embraer approval for use of its largest aircraft tug on the ERJ-135, 140 and 145 aircraft. The tug, AP8950SDB-AL-200, was introduced in 2013, marking the 70-year-old company’s expansion into the major airline/bizliner markets.

Lektro credits this expansion for a 65-percent surge in sales last year. The company said it remains on pace for a continued pick-up this year.

The tug received Airbus and Boeing clearance seven months ago for use on the manufacturers’ respective A320 and 737 aircraft families. It is capable of towing up to a 210,000-pound (95,250 kg) aircraft and was designed to carry a variety of aircraft, from the Bombardier Dash 8/Q400 up to the Airbus A321 and Boeing 737-900ER.

Lektro already targeted the regional aircraft market with its AP8700 and AP8800 tugs and has a strong presence in the business jet segment, with approvals from Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer Gulfstream, Pilatus and Textron Aviation, among others. It also sells its tugs for military applications.

The Portland, Oregon-based company delivered its 4,300th tug to Million Air in Calgary, Canada, last year.