Advancing Aircraft Inspections Through Drone and AI Technology
Iris comes to town! As the team prepares to present our drone and AI capabilities (affectionately known as ‘Iris’) at NBAA this year, we take a look at how the technology is used across our global service offering to enhance the customer experience.
Since the beginnings of Jet Aviation in 1967, a commitment to pushing the boundaries of business aviation has shaped how we serve our customers. From new sites and services, to new ways of working, we are combining the expertise of our people with advanced technology to ensure the aircraft ownership and operation experience is effortless.
In May 2023, we announced that we were launching drone and AI capabilities on MRO projects in Basel, Switzerland. Fast-forward a year, and in May 2024, we announced that we had received approval from the Swiss Civil Aviation Authority (FOCA) for the use of this technology in regulated inspections. The images provide detailed visual records of the exterior surface of an aircraft for use in General Visual Inspections (GVIs), pre-purchase inspections, paint quality assessments, inspections related to overall condition and asset management, and more.
Today, the technology is going strong, and as it develops, more and more customers are able to benefit. Earlier this year, the service was introduced for non-regulated inspections in the U.S., creating new opportunities to support our managed and FBO customers.
“By combining advanced drone and AI technology with the expertise of our team, we can give customers greater visibility into their aircraft needs while supporting maintenance planning and long-term asset management.”
“For our managed customers, having a detailed and consistent visual record of their aircraft provides valuable insight into its current condition and helps inform decisions throughout the ownership journey,” says Leslie Cheshier, Vice President Flight Services U.S. “By combining advanced drone and AI technology with the expertise of our team, we can give customers greater visibility into their aircraft needs while supporting maintenance planning and long-term asset management. It is another example of how we continue to evolve our services to meet the needs of our customers.”
A Closer Look at Aircraft Condition: Drone Capabilities
Automated drone technology adds another layer to maintenance inspections by capturing high-resolution images across an aircraft’s exterior, helping teams build a comprehensive picture of current condition.
The drone captures detailed images of the aircraft’s external surfaces, which are then analyzed using specialized software to identify potential areas of interest. Maintenance professionals review and validate the findings before the results are compiled into a detailed digital report.
During maintenance planning, access to inspection findings can help flight departments and maintenance teams identify areas requiring further assessment and make informed decisions about potential future maintenance events. The technology can also support pre-purchase inspections and aircraft transactions by providing a documented visual reference of an aircraft’s exterior condition at a specific point in time.
Customers can access the reports through a cloud-based platform, where inspection data can be reviewed and shared. Over time, these records can help establish a visual baseline for the aircraft, providing a reference against which future inspections and changes in exterior condition can be assessed.
Learn More on Our Drone Capabilities:
As the technology continues to develop, the team is working to demonstrate its practical applications and explore opportunities to integrate it further into the services we offer our customers. Most recently, the technology was demonstrated at an event at Jet Aviation’s Burbank facility, where some 70 attendees, including customers, brokers and industry influencers, were able to see Iris in action, firsthand.
The team will continue these conversations at this year’s National Business Aviation Association Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE). On October 21 at 4:00 p.m., Jet Aviation will present the technology and its role in advancing aircraft inspection practices. Join the team on Wednesday, or at booth #1904 to learn more.