A method of lifting an aircraft at a lifting location, the method comprising: securing a fitting (10) to the aircraft when the aircraft is at the lifting location; engaging the fitting with a crane hook (100); transmitting lifting load from the crane hook to the aircraft via the fitting; and removing the fitting from the aircraft. A fitting (10) for transmitting lifting loads from a crane hook (100) to an item, the fitting comprising: an attachment member (11) configured to be secured to the item; and a lifting member (12) which is pivotally coupled to the attachment member and configured to be engaged by the crane hook (100) so as to transmit lifting loads from the crane hook to the item. A crane hook (100) with a ball-and-socket connection is provided. The crane hook has an attachment link (106) having a first pivot point (107) attached to the hook forward of its center of gravity, and a second pivot point (109) configured to be lifted by a crane, --and a biasing system which applies a biasing force to the attachment link causing the attachment link to rotate about the first pivot-point whereby the second pivot point moves towards the rear of the hook when the hook is unloaded.