Apparatuses, systems, and methods for towing an aircraft mid-flight are disclosed. The apparatuses include a tow line receiver that is configured for releasably mechanically joining to an aircraft connector on an aircraft to be towed. The aerial vehicle towing system includes an aircraft connector on the aircraft to be towed, a tow line receiver, a tow line, and a winch. Several methods are also provided. These include: a method of towing or retrieving an aircraft in flight; a method of recharging an electrically-powered aircraft in flight; methods of towing and refueling aircraft in flight; a method of communicating between a tow aircraft and an aircraft being towed; and combinations of these methods.