JAL demonstrates single remote pilot operating five drones

Japan Airlines (JAL), in collaboration with NEDO and KDDI Corporation, has successfully tested the simultaneous operation of five drones by a single pilot across four locations in Japan.

Conducted from October 28-31, 2024, the trial aimed to advance technology enabling “one-to-many” drone control as part of NEDO’s ReAMo Project.

KDDI developed the control system, while JAL assessed safety risks and established operational procedures. Features like voice notifications enhanced safety, confirming the system’s effectiveness.

As a result, a single pilot operated a total of five drones safely and efficiently at four sites across Japan in different weather conditions and operating environments, confirming the effectiveness of the flight safety system and operations control procedures.

Issues that arise when irregularities such as drone aircraft and system problems and environmental changes occur simultaneously were also confirmed, and data that will contribute to improving system functions and operations control quality in the future was obtained.

The findings will inform future multi-drone systems, contributing to broader drone implementation.

“Through this demonstration, JAL, KDDI, and NEDO have confirmed the effectiveness of the operations control system and operational procedures, including irregularity handling, as well as the issues involved,” JAL said.

“In the future, in order to systematically define requirements, JAL, KDDI, and NEDO will accumulate and verify data using a virtual environment in addition to the trial.

“The findings of this demonstration will also be utilised in the design of a system for the simultaneous operation of multiple drones, thereby contributing to social implementation of drones.”