JAL becomes the first airline in the world to introduce a remote-controlled aircraft towing vehicle for pushback operations on departing Embraer aircraft

JAL becomes the world’s first airline to use remote-controlled aircraft towing vehicles for pushing back Embraer aircraft departing flights ​
JAL Press release: July 29, 2025 JAL becomes the world’s first airline to introduce a remote-controlled aircraft towing vehicle for pushback of departing Embraer aircraft. ~Reducing labor required for ground operations and promoting decarbonization through electrification~ July 29, 2025 JAL became the first airline in the world to introduce remote-controlled aircraft tugs for departing Embraer E170 and E190 aircraft pushback operations (*1) starting Wednesday, July 23, 2025. This is part of an effort to promote labor-saving ground operations and CO2 emissions reduction through electrification. (*1) “Pushback operation”: When an aircraft departs, a vehicle pushes the aircraft down to a position where it can move under its own power.
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/30684/1301/30684-1301-360b66a5f62a56d5bfbe894a22b91753-263×198.jpg
https://prcdn.freetls.fastly.net/release_image/30684/1301/30684-1301-0c19810daf7e9702e8c9d7f4fa74e682-400×198.png Unlike conventional towing vehicles, remote-controlled aircraft towing vehicles do not have a driver’s seat. Instead, operators can remotely control the aircraft pushback from a distance. By remotely controlling the operation of towing vehicles, which previously required advanced skills, training periods can be shortened, operator development can be promoted, and workloads can be reduced. In addition, this vehicle is electrically powered and does not emit CO2 during operation, contributing to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional diesel-engine towing vehicles. JAL will continue to promote both reduced environmental impact and improved operational efficiency, contributing to the sustainable development of the aviation industry. [Operating Airport] Osaka International Airport (Itami) [Operation start date] Boeing 737 aircraft: Monday, July 14, 2025 Embraer 170/190 model : Wednesday, July 23, 2025 * World’s first introduction [Aircraft Installed] Mototok Spacer8600NG We will continue to work to sustainably improve our corporate value through improving ground work productivity and decarbonization, as outlined in the JAL Group Management Plan. The End More details about this release *This email has been sent automatically, so please do not reply. Press Release Download