Japan Airlines (JAL) and Narita International Airport (NAA) have announced the launch of a pilot programme to transport air cargo and check-in baggage with autonomous towing tractors within a restricted area at the Greater Tokyo Area-based airport.
The trial is based on an offer from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism to operate autonomous towing tractors within restricted areas at the airport.
Recently, the number of travellers to Japan has increased and the country is forecasting to welcome 40 million visitors by 2020. However, with the decline in the working age population, labour shortage is expected.
To resolve this issue, JAL and NAA will promote the use of state-of-the-art technology aiming to improve productivity at the airport.
JAL will perform the trial at the airport, ensuring safe conditions, as the area is congested with an array of airplanes, vehicles, and airport staff.
Going forward, JAL will verify the equipment in various environments and continue to take on challenges to promote new services through technology.
