Abstract: A method for loading an aircraft comprises receiving a load onto a first loading platform and lifting the load by raising this loading platform, subsequently transferring the load from this loading platform onto a second lowered loading platform, and finally lifting the load by raising this platform so that the load may finally be transferred from the second loading platform into the aircraft hold. The unloading procedure is the reverse of this procedure. An associated mobile aircraft loading device is provided with a vertically displaceable platform to receive the load, as well as hoisting mechanisms for the platform. The upper surface of the loading platform, in its uppermost position, is coplanar with the load level of an aircraft, and in its lowermost position, is coplanar with the load level of a raised platform of another loading device. Aircrafts with a very high load level may be simply loaded and unloaded using such a procedure.