Japan Airlines Group will introduce Aerowash’s remote-controlled AW3 aircraft-washing robot at Narita Airport near Tokyo, with full-scale operation planned for later in 2026 after operator training and preparation. The system will assist ground staff in exterior cleaning of aircraft and is being positioned as the first programme-controlled collaborative aircraft-washing robot used by a Japanese domestic airline.
The robot is designed to reduce the manual burden of a task that has traditionally involved night work, long-handled mops and cleaning agents. JAL is linking the project to its airport digital transformation strategy and to an earlier automation attempt from around 30 years ago that was not continued.
The AW3 is intended to improve safety by limiting work at height and exposure to chemicals, while also easing labour shortages in ground handling. Manufacturer specifications cited by JAL indicate the system can cut washing labour by up to 40% per aircraft and reduce water use by up to 50%.
JAL will begin with one unit at Narita and may extend the deployment to other airports later, depending on operational results after rollout.