GURUGRAM- Tata-owned Air India (AI), India’s prominent global airline, has introduced an eco-friendly, automated system for washing and cleaning aircraft exteriors, aiming to enhance operational efficiency by adopting innovative technology.
The system, named ‘Aerowash,’ incorporates advanced features such as a robotic micro-fiber brush drum for cleaning and utilizes an almost waterless process, significantly improving operational efficiency while promoting sustainability.
Air India Automated Cleaning
In the case of narrow-body aircraft, the potential annual water savings amount to up to 30,000 liters per aircraft, while for wide-body aircraft, the figure can reach as high as 75,000 liters per year.
Given Air India’s ongoing fleet augmentation efforts, the cumulative amount of clean water expected to be conserved in the future is substantial.
“The adoption of this modern cleaning system underscores our commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and cutting-edge advancements aligned with industry best practices. The device ensures improved aircraft maintenance and aligns with the Tata group’s pledge to conduct business in more sustainable ways,” stated S.K. Dash, Chief Technical Officer at Air India.
Critical Part of Maintenance
Aircraft cleaning is a crucial facet of maintenance, traditionally involving time-consuming, resource-intensive, and manual processes.
However, automated cleaning stands out for its efficiency and sustainability, reducing aerodynamic drag caused by the accumulation of dirt, dust, or grime. This decreases the aircraft’s weight and leads to long-term fuel efficiency improvements and a reduced carbon footprint.
Additionally, automated cleaning helps protect against structural damage, prevents corrosion, and extends the aircraft’s overall lifespan.
The high-quality cleaning provided by this system enhances the aircraft’s appearance and ensures thorough cleaning, covering even critical areas like the crown, elevator, or rudder.
Vistara 100+ Aerowash
Air India (AI) SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a prominent airport services management company in India, marked a significant milestone by completing its 100th Robotic Aircraft Exterior Cleaning for Vistara (UK) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on October 11, 2023, employing its automated aircraft cleaning system, known as ‘AeroWash.’
This service was introduced by AISATS for Vistara in June 2023, making it the first and only ground handler in India to introduce such an innovative and eco-friendly solution for cleaning aircraft exteriors.
Over the course of these 100 aircraft exterior cleanings, AISATS has contributed to Vistara’s efforts to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,000 tons and conserve 120,000 liters of water.
This 100th aircraft cleaning milestone demonstrates AISATS’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, technology-driven airport services. It illustrates how this groundbreaking technology is setting a new standard for aircraft exterior cleaning in the Indian aviation sector.
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