easyJet

British carrier easyJet has partnered with Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL), a collaboration between the University of Bristol and the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), to use drones to inspect its fleet of 220 Airbus jets.

With the help of new technology, drones will be programmed to scan and assess easyJet’s aircraft, reporting to engineers on any damage or a need for further inspection or maintenance work.

The drones are currently in development, and are expected to be tested in the coming months, with plans to begin operation as early as next year.

The technology will allow the airline to efficiently operate, while reducing delays and maintaining punctuality and safety standards.

easyJet engineering head Ian Davies said the airline is applying a range of new technologies to the aviation sector for the first time to help run its fleet more effectively, efficiently and safely.

"Coupled with smart navigation and computer vision, drones can get accurate data from really awkward places."

"The advantage of these emerging technologies is threefold: freeing up our engineering team to undertake more skilled tasks, keeping our costs down which in turn keeps our fares low and helping to minimise delays so maintaining our industry leading punctuality for our passengers," Davies said.

BRL Aerial Robotics Arthur Richards said that aircraft inspection is an area where drones can be highly effective.

"Coupled with smart navigation and computer vision, they can get accurate data from really awkward places," Richards said.

"We look forward to working with easyJet to develop safe, effective and efficient drone systems for this challenge."

In addition to the drone technology, easyJet is developing a 3D Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technology that allows a remote engineering team to see what a pilot or engineer is seeing with the help of virtual reality glasses.

The technology will be particularly useful in the airline’s more remote airports across its network.

Among other new technologies the airline is planning to employ are apps and electronic tablets.

Image: A demonstration of an aircraft inspection by a drone. Photo: courtesy of easyJet.

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