EasyJet is developing drones to help keep its planes in top form
EASYJET is helping to develop new drone technology that can be used to inspect its fleet of planes.
The airline said yesterday it is working with the Bristol Robotics Laboratory, CopterCraft and Measurement Solutions to modify an unmanned drone for trials within the next few months.
“The drones will be programmed to scan and assess the planes, reporting back to engineers on any damage which may require further inspection or maintenance work,” EasyJet said.
As part of its technology push, EasyJet is also trying to enforce a “paperless plane” policy, with pilots using tablets instead of printed log books – a decluttering measure that EasyJet said will save about $500,000 (£278,000) a year in fuel costs.
Alongside the drone plans, EasyJet is experimenting with augmented reality glasses and new diagnostics programmes to give engineers on the ground a better idea about what is going on with planes in real time during the flights.
The airline also reported a 10 per cent rise in traffic for April, boosted by a later Easter this year.