Rampmaster, SkyMark Unveil Jointly Built Aircraft Refueler

Rampmaster

COATESVILLE, PA — Rampmaster is expanding its aircraft refueling equipment business through a jointly developed 5,000-gallon refueling truck with SkyMark Companies, with production scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027 as the manufacturers integrate operations following their acquisition by private equity firm ATL Partners.

The companies are introducing the vehicle at the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition, combining engineering, technology and manufacturing capabilities from both businesses to serve commercial and general aviation customers.

The refueler is the first in a planned series of jointly developed vehicles, according to the companies, which manufacture aircraft fueling equipment and other ground support products.

The new platform incorporates redesigned pumping and electrical systems, integrated operating software and a digital control panel intended to simplify fueling operations, diagnostics and maintenance.

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It also includes Rampmaster’s Engine Management System, which regulates engine operation to reduce fuel consumption, emissions and mechanical wear.

According to performance figures cited by the companies, the system can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 43%, emissions by 63% and engine wear by 46% through operation at lower engine speeds.

The Engine Management System has been certified by the Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, the companies reported.

Those efficiency improvements could reduce operating expenses for aviation fueling operators, particularly at airports where refueling vehicles operate frequently throughout the day.

The companies are displaying the new truck at Booth 3225 during the NBAA convention.

The product launch follows ATL Partners’ acquisition of SkyMark and Rampmaster, which brought the two manufacturers under common ownership and established a larger supplier of aircraft refueling vehicles and ground support equipment.

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The businesses have since begun consolidating engineering, production and procurement operations.

Their combined manufacturing network now includes five production locations, providing additional capacity for vehicle manufacturing and supporting future product development.

The companies have also introduced lean manufacturing initiatives intended to improve production efficiency and customer responsiveness.

Procurement integration includes combining supplier relationships and standardizing components used across both product lines, potentially reducing manufacturing complexity and improving parts availability.

SkyMark Chief Executive Officer Steven Paul described the new refueler as a product of the companies’ coordinated engineering and commercial strategies.

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“We have aligned our organizations to create product strategies and go to market plans that best serve the needs of our customers,” Paul said.

Rampmaster Chief Operating Officer Owen Watkins indicated that the jointly developed platform is intended to combine the manufacturers’ existing technologies while addressing operating and ownership costs for customers.

The 5,000-gallon model represents the first product of that integration, with joint manufacturing scheduled to begin early next year.

For Rampmaster and SkyMark, the collaboration establishes a common development and production approach for future aircraft refueling equipment.

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