Japan Airlines to deploy aircraft-washing robot at Narita

Japan Airlines plans to bring a robotic system into service to wash aircraft exteriors at Tokyo-Narita Airport. The remote-controlled machine, called the Aerowash AW3, is due to enter regular service in 2026, once a training program for staff is complete.

According to the JAL Group, this is the first time a Japanese carrier has used such a robotic washing system. The airline described the move as part of a broader push to digitize ground handling operations.

The robot is meant to automate a task traditionally done by hand, with the aim of making aircraft cleaning at the airport more efficient. The announcement did not disclose further technical details, such as washing capacity or cost savings.

JAL did not say which aircraft types would be cleaned with the new system. It also gave no indication of plans to extend the technology to other airports it serves. The rollout at Narita looks like an initial step, and the airline has framed it as part of a wider strategy to modernize ground operations through automation.