Goldhofer Unveils New Widebody Towbarless Tractor at GSE Expo 2025

The Atlas 2 is optimized for multiple gate operation and inter-gate towing, with the ability to handle a large variety of aircraft types while giving a zero-emission performance.

Emily Gorski

Sept. 17, 2025

4 min read

Key Takeaways

The Atlas 2 features a low-voltage drive train capable of handling aircraft from Embraer 175 to Boeing 777, emphasizing versatility and heavy-duty performance.
Design improvements include removable bumpers and configurable modules, allowing operators to customize the tractor for pushback or repositioning tasks, with plans for future autonomous operation.
The tractor's intuitive cabin design with minimal controls simplifies operation and maintenance, utilizing off-the-shelf components for easy repair and servicing.

Goldhofer has debuted the Atlas 2 at the 2025 International GSE Expo.

The new towbarless tractor is optimized for multiple gate operation and inter-gate towing, with the ability to handle a large variety of aircraft types while giving a zero-emission performance.

The team at Goldhofer explained that the Atlas 2 uses the same technology as the company’s existing tractors, along with some noteworthy upgrades.

What are key features and benefits of the Atlas 2 towbarless tractor?

Martin Rieser, head of engineering at Goldhofer, gave more detail on the new tractor and what its benefits are.

Rieser shared, “At first view, it looks like a Phoenix tractor. The rear of the tractor is very similar with a Phoenix tractor. And this was also an approach we have. We're using here many proven components from the Phoenix tractors, the high-speed super tug tractor.”

He continued, “Most of the components are the same, especially the frame, exactly the same, pickup system, where we have a lot of experience. But where we made it new is the complete system and the drive train. We moved boundaries from the old, 96-year old technology to a new level.”

“With this tractor, with a low-volt drive train, we are able to make pushbacks and repositioning tows for triple seven aircraft. This tractor has ranged from an Embraer, 175 up to a 777 aircraft,” said Rieser.

Rieser also discussed how the new Atlas 2 excels in heavy-duty applications.

He noted, “As for this low-voltage drive train, we made it quite robust. Especially for the heavy-duty applications, they are adequate. The front bumper and the side panels are quite robust to withstand requirements from the gate.”

“Another thing that’s very important is it’s a hugely improved concept. At the interface, we are able to remove the strong bumper and ensure flexibility to our customers,” added Rieser.

Rieser pointed out the newly unveiled model, stating, “This configuration is a pushback configuration. If we want, we can remove the strong bumper, bolt on an extended version, and then we can mount a cabin with a retaining seat.”

He continued, “This transforms pushback tractor to a pushback and repositioning tractor. This is one of the key features from this tractor that gives flexibility to our customers, and the future proofness is mainly given by the possibility to remove the front here completely, and then it can be operated by remote control or an autonomous system in the future.”

How does the Atlas 2 operate?

Highlighting how easy it can be to add Goldhofer’s new tractor to an existing GSE fleet, Rieser said, “It's quite simple to operate this tractor. It's very intuitive. If you have a look at the cabin after this presentation, you’ll see only a few buttons.”

“We made it as simple as possible for the operators, but also for the maintenance crews. This tractor has only off-the-shelf components that are quite simple. Our approach was that every maintenance team that repairs and maintains towbar tractors would be able to repair and maintain this tractor,” Rieser added.

How Goldhofer customers are benefitting from the new towbarless tractor

Alex Blanche, general manager at Delta Airlines, gave insight into his company’s experience with the Atlas 2.

He shared, “When we approached the market and we were looking for a widebody pushback tractor, we recognized full well early on that you're investing just as much in the tractor, in the asset, as you are in the team.”

Blanche continued, “I'm deeply thankful to Martin, John, the rest of the Goldhofer team, who've done a fantastic job bringing this tractor to life. And the partnership has been extraordinary. We've got several of these now, and it has been an absolute game changer for us in our operations.”