- Category
- Ground support equipment
- Manufacturer
- JBT AeroTech
- Country
- United States
- Programme status
- verified
- Last verified
- 21 Sept 2026
The Commander 15i is a heavy-duty universal main-deck loader designed to facilitate the transfer of palletised and containerised cargo between ground transport and aircraft. Developed by JBT AeroTech, which was acquired by Oshkosh Corporation in 2023, this unit is part of a long-standing product family used in global logistics hubs. It features a dual-platform lifting system that allows it to service both the lower and main decks of various narrow-body and wide-body airframes. This equipment is primarily procured by commercial airlines, dedicated air cargo carriers, and third-party ground handling agencies. Key operators include major international freight integrators such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS, as well as ground services providers like Swissport and Menzies Aviation. It is sold as a standalone capital asset through regional sales offices or authorised equipment dealerships, often supported by long-term maintenance and parts supply contracts to ensure operational uptime. The Aerospace Garage desk notes that reliability hinges on the service life of the hydraulic and drive systems under high-cycle environments. When assessing a specific unit, buyers should verify the engine tier compliance for local emissions regulations and the status of the control system software. We recommend checking service logs for hydraulic cylinder fatigue and ensuring that the safety interlocking systems are fully functional to prevent aircraft skin damage during docking.
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