Haneda Airport to Expand Level 4 Autonomous Towing Trials with Japan Airlines and Toyota Industries

Haneda Airport is set to expand its use of Level 4 autonomous towing technology, with Japan Airlines (JAL) and Toyota Industries Corporation beginning trials in November 2026 using an autonomous towing tractor manufactured by Toyota Industries. The trials will explore new routes and more challenging operating environments, supporting the wider deployment of fully unmanned ground handling operations at the airport.

On 15 December 2025, JAL launched commercial operations of a Level 4 autonomous towing tractor at Haneda Airport, utilising shared infrastructure such as signalling equipment and cameras installed by the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). The new routes included in the upcoming trials will incorporate tunnel sections, presenting a higher level of difficulty, with significantly different driving environments and operational conditions compared to the existing routes.

During the trials, the companies will draw on Toyota Industries’ proven experience at Haneda Airport to carefully assess the requirements and challenges associated with Level 4 autonomous transport operations in these more demanding conditions. The trials will also evaluate coordination with new shared infrastructure being developed by JCAB.

Through the initiative, JAL and Toyota Industries aim to improve efficiency and reduce labour demands in ground handling operations, while further reducing environmental impact through the use of electric vehicles.

By expanding the operating range of autonomous towing tractors at Haneda Airport, the companies also intend to build on technologies already in commercial operation, demonstrating their application across a wider variety of driving environments and operational conditions, with a view to future deployment at airports nationwide.