JAL and Donecle begin autonomous drone aircraft inspections in Japan

Japan Airlines and French drone maker Donecle have begun what the two companies call Japan's first joint project using fully autonomous drones for exterior aircraft inspections. The partnership was announced on September 11, 2026.

The work puts Donecle's Iris GVI drones inside JAL hangars to capture high-resolution images of aircraft exteriors. The goal is to replace manual visual inspections, in which mechanics examine large airframes from multiple angles, sometimes at height, over extended periods.

JAL began comparing conventional visual checks with drone imagery at the end of June 2026, leading to the current joint verification project. During that trial phase, the airline assessed how the two methods compared before moving to the joint programme.

The drones fly autonomously around the aircraft without touching it. According to the companies, images are captured under consistent standards regardless of the operator's skill level. Onboard obstacle detection is designed to keep the drone clear of the airframe during each inspection.

The Iris GVI is 855mm long and wide and 245mm tall, and weighs 3,700 grams with its battery. It carries image analysis technology intended to build a precise map of the aircraft surface.

Donecle builds automated drone systems for aircraft of all sizes, from business jets to widebodies. Its drones appear in both Airbus and Boeing aircraft maintenance manuals and are already used by airlines and maintenance, repair and overhaul organisations internationally.