Aircraft engineering and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services provider HAECO has begun drone-assisted aircraft inspection trials at its facilities in the United States.
The company stated that the initiative is aimed at incorporating advanced drone technology into its aircraft maintenance processes, enhancing both efficiency and effectiveness in its American operations.
By using autonomous drones, HAECO hopes to improve the speed and safety of inspections. The drones will help detect structural defects, assess paint quality, and identify damage from lightning strikes more accurately and efficiently.
The use of drones also allows for detailed inspections of hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for human workers to access high elevations and thus lowering potential safety risks.
Summit Chan, HAECO’s Group Director of Corporate Development, emphasized the significance of the trials, saying: “This launch marks an important step in our commitment to smarter, safer, and more efficient aircraft maintenance solutions. It’s part of our ongoing efforts to explore innovative technologies that improve our operations and offer more value to our customers.”
In addition to drone-assisted inspections, HAECO is also looking into advanced robotic solutions for inspection and logistics, aiming to provide better data analytics and further improve operational efficiency.