Aircraft boarding stairs are mobile stair units that let passengers and crew board an aircraft parked away from a jet bridge. Victory GSE sells and leases used self-propelled stair trucks and towable hydraulic stairs from brands such as Stinar, Nordco, Lift A Loft and NMC Wollard. Every unit shown below is in stock in Los Angeles. Request a quote for pricing and lease terms.
AIRCRAFT BOARDING STAIRS
Used Passenger Boarding Stairs and Stair Trucks for Sale or Lease
Stair Trucks vs. Mobile Hydraulic Stairs
A stair truck mounts the stair assembly on a truck chassis, such as a Ford or GMC, and drives itself between aircraft. A mobile hydraulic stair is towed into position and raised with a hydraulic system. Stair trucks move faster around a busy ramp. Towable stairs suit operations that already run tractors.
| Stair type | Door sill range in our listings | How it moves |
|---|---|---|
| Stair truck | About 96 to 228 in | Self-propelled on a Ford or GMC chassis |
| Mobile hydraulic stair | About 87 to 211 in | Towed into position |
How to Match Stairs to Your Aircraft
Match the platform range to the door sill height of every aircraft type you board. Measure from the ground to the bottom of the door opening. Check it at both empty and loaded weights, because a loaded aircraft sits lower on its gear. If you board both regional jets and single-aisle airliners, one stair truck with a wide range may cover both.
- Platform range that covers your lowest and highest door sills.
- Canopy for weather protection, if you board in rain or heat.
- Platform width and handrails for passenger flow.
- Bumpers at the aircraft contact points.
What to Check on a Used Stair Truck
A stair truck is two machines in one, so check the chassis as closely as the stairs. Look at engine hours, transmission shifting, brakes and steering on the truck. Then run the stair through its full height range and confirm the platform locks at each position.
- Chassis records for the truck engine and transmission.
- Lift system that raises and lowers smoothly, with no hydraulic leaks.
- Stabilizers and leveling that hold the platform steady at the door.
- Lighting on steps and platform for night boarding.
Boarding Stairs and Ramp Safety
Passenger stairs are one of the equipment types most often involved in ground damage. IATA found that belt loaders, cargo loaders, passenger stairs and boarding bridges cause 40% of total ground damage incidents (IATA, 2022). IATA also estimates that moving 75% of that equipment to enhanced GSE would cut the expected ground damage cost per turn by 42% (IATA, 2022). Careful positioning matters as much as the stair itself. The FAA’s Advisory Circular 00-34B covers safe ground handling around parked aircraft.
Buy or Lease Used Boarding Stairs
Buy stairs for daily remote-stand or FBO boarding. Lease extra units for charter peaks, events or a temporary gate. Victory GSE offers both. Share your aircraft types and door sill heights with your quote request, and we will match stairs from our current listings. For accessible boarding, see the disabled passenger lifts on our more GSE page.
Aircraft Boarding Stairs FAQ
What is an aircraft stair truck?
An aircraft stair truck is a passenger stair mounted on a truck chassis. It drives itself to the aircraft and raises or lowers its platform to match the door sill.
What height boarding stairs do I need?
Choose stairs whose platform range covers the door sill height of every aircraft type you handle. In our inventory, stair trucks reach from about 96 to 228 inches, and mobile hydraulic stairs from about 87 to 211 inches.
What is the difference between a stair truck and a towable stair?
A stair truck has its own engine and drives to the aircraft. A towable stair has no drive system, so a tractor pulls it into place before crews raise it. Both adjust to match the door sill.
Do you sell disabled passenger lifts?
Yes. Our more GSE inventory includes Lift-A-Loft disabled passenger lifts for single-aisle and wide-body aircraft. They lift passengers who cannot use stairs to the aircraft door.
Do you lease aircraft boarding stairs?
Yes. Victory GSE offers used boarding stairs and stair trucks for sale or lease. Call (323) 581-7272 or send a quote request.
Do you ship boarding stairs outside Los Angeles?
Yes. Our team coordinates delivery to airports, FBOs and operators across the US and worldwide.