Lift-A-Loft

The aerospace sector pushes operations into environments where height, precision, and safety converge. Overhead access isn’t a convenience; it’s the backbone of production, inspection, and continuous uptime. Few companies understand that better than Lift-A-Loft.

With roots stretching back more than 70 years, Lift-A-Loft’s history is a testament to its expertise in the field.

Founded in the 1940s, the company first engineered rugged, truck-mounted lifts that kept cities’ lighting infrastructure operational. That experience revealed a larger industrial challenge, and in 1952 Lift-A-Loft responded with the first LAL model, a breakthrough that redefined how large manufacturing plants approached overhead maintenance.

As aircraft grew larger, facilities expanded, and safety standards intensified, Lift-A-Loft didn’t just adapt; it led. Each generation of lift technology reflected a deeper understanding of the industries it served, and that legacy of innovation positions the company as one of the most trusted names in the field.

Today, the company stands at the forefront of electric and gasoline-powered GSE, electric industrial maintenance lifts, and truck-mounted lifts. The aerial platforms are embedded in mission-critical aerospace environments to support the people and processes that keep modern aviation moving safely and without interruption.

“For us, experience isn’t just history; it’s the blueprint. Each generation of Lift-A-Loft engineers has learned directly from the field, and that knowledge shapes every system we create today. The engineers design and adapt mobile and stationary systems for critical manufacturing and inspection needs by customizing proven lift platforms or building completely new solutions to exact specifications,” says Braedon Stark-Abbott, sales associate.

That collaborative approach directly fuels product innovation. The company supplies its APX Series lifts to a wide range of customers, featuring an 80-volt lithium-ion battery and designed for tarmac use to support APU access and general aircraft maintenance. It also offers compact TL-22 pickup-sized lifts and large-capacity TMX platform lifts built on commercially available electric & gas chassis, engineered with the specific operational realities of aviation leaders in mind.

Customization has become one of the company’s defining strengths. Working alongside customers, the sales and engineering teams gain firsthand insight into access challenges and design tailored solutions. The approach centers on active listening, asking the right questions, and brainstorming with engineers to explore potential solutions. This often requires creativity, open-minded thinking, and a willingness to consider applications that may initially seem challenging, all in the pursuit of delivering the right solution for each customer. Every custom build is supported by thorough documentation, including manuals for safe operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts replacement, reinforcing the company’s reputation for durability and long-term support.

The flexibility extends even further through specialized engineering capabilities. Lift-A-Loft has designed a broad range of custom scissor lifts incorporating features such as crab steering for tight positioning, distinct platform extensions or traversing options, and non-standard platform sizes rarely offered off the shelf.

Underpinning every solution is complete internal control over manufacturing. Because the products are manufactured from the ground up, the company takes full responsibility for product performance and long-term support. There is no ambiguity about accountability or compliance, and all safety calculations, testing, and documentation are executed in-house. From steel procurement and machining to painting and final assembly, each lift is constructed and verified to meet applicable ANSI standards, assuring quality and reliability.

This vertically integrated model strengthens Lift-A-Loft’s ability to align with partners on their long-term goals, and United Airlines’ shift toward electric ground support equipment is one such example. At Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on the East Coast, the airline faced mandates requiring the transition to electric ground support equipment. Anticipating this shift nearly a decade ago, the company began preparing for the increased adoption of electric power to support green energy initiatives across airport operations. With United Airlines’ future needs in mind, the APX Series lift was developed as a solution designed to operate without gasoline power, ensuring the airline could continue safe and efficient maintenance work while complying with evolving environmental requirements.

As airlines and other industries pivot toward green energy solutions, Lift-A-Loft’s commitment to innovation remains steadfast. By delivering equipment that meets the highest standards of performance and sustainability, the company is equipping aerospace operations with the tools needed for a safer, more efficient, and greener future.