SINGAPORE—Japan Airlines (JAL) has introduced a robotic aircraft-washing system at Tokyo Narita International Airport, seeking to improve washing efficiency and reduce water consumption.
The remote-controlled aircraft-washing robot, called AW3, was developed by Swedish company Aerowash and is undergoing operator training. It is scheduled to enter into full service by the end of 2026. It is the first deployment of the system in Japan.
The AW3 can be used on a range of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, including the Boeing 737, 767 and 787, as well as the Airbus A350. The system uses preprogrammed coordinates for different aircraft types, allowing its robotic arm to autonomously move to designated areas of the airframe, including the main wings and tail sections.
Aerowash says the system can reduce aircraft washing time by up to 40% compared with conventional manual methods, while cutting water consumption by as much as 50% per aircraft.
JAL currently conducts aircraft washing manually at night, using long-handled mops and specialized chemical agents. The airline previously tested a wired remote-controlled washing system in the 1990s, but said technical limitations prevented it from being introduced into regular operations.
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