Japan Airlines Group Completes Succesful UAV Trial Transporting Fish to Local Restaurant in Tokyo

Under the mutual cooperation with the government of Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan Airlines (JAL) conducted a trial transporting freight for approximately 46km within the local islands in Nagasaki with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) helicopter. On February 19, in conjunction with JAL Cargo`s transport service, fresh fish from the city of Shinkamigoto in Nagasaki was successfully transported on the same day to a restaurant in Tokyo, demonstrating the potential for UAV services in Japan.

Outline of the Demonstration
February 18, 2020
Transported freight packed in a cool box for approximately 46km between Kamigoto airport and Ojika airport by UAV helicopter. During the trial, the temperature in the cool box was logged to make sure the environment for transported goods can be kept at a certain level throughout the flight.

February 19, 2020
Successfully transported 20kg of fresh fish packed in a cool box from Kamigoto airport to the city of Saikai (approximately 35km) by UAV helicopter, which was then transported to Nagasaki Airport by truck and loaded onto a JAL passenger flight to Haneda Airport. The fresh fish was ultimately served at a restaurant in Tokyo on the same day. The temperature inside the cool box was logged and was confirmed to have been kept at a certain level throughout the trial.

The UAV flight was piloted by Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.

Flight Demonstration Video:

Key Goals
In terms of transporting goods between local airports with a UAV helicopter, this was the first-ever demonstration conducted in the country of Japan. JAL aims to develop a new type of air cargo service in the industry with UAV technology, as the airline foresees demand for such services in the near future. Also, combined with JAL`s domestic network, the carrier aims to cultivate new demands, contribute to regional revitalization and achieve key sustainable development goals.

Supporting Companies
Saikai City, Shinkamigoto Town and Ojika Town in Nagasaki Prefecture
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Nagasaki Institute for Public Policy
Aerodyne
Production NAP