A pod attached to the tip of the tether would have flight control systems for stabilizing it through the upper atmosphere so that an aircraft could attach a payload. It could also have retrorockets to stabilize it after the payload detaches, and the tether contracts to its original length. These retrorockets would have to be re-usable, and refuelled regularly from tanker aircraft. This is a major leap in technology, I've posted my space elevator design to the Starship Generations website under the section entitled "On-Orbit Construction & Assembly".

Space Shuttle ----> Space Elevator

Insects -----> Human Beings

We're looking at a comparable evolution here. LOL.