Aircraft engineering and MRO services provider, HAECO, has launched drone-assisted aircraft inspection trials at its facilities in the USA.

HAECO says the initiative aims to integrate advanced drone technology into the aircraft maintenance process, enhancing inspection efficiency and effectiveness across its American operations.

By utilising autonomous drone technology, HAECO seeks to improve inspection efficiency and safety standards.

The initiative developed in partnership with Donecle, is designed to enhance the processes in detecting structural defects, assessing paint quality, and identifying lightning strike damage.

The autonomous flight capability allows for comprehensive inspections of hard-to-reach areas, reducing the need for human access at high elevations and minimizing potential safety risks.

Summit Chan, group director of corporate development at HAECO, said: “The launch of these trials marks an important step in our commitment to smarter, safer, and more efficient aircraft maintenance solutions.

“This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to explore innovative technologies that enhance our operational efficiency and provide greater value to our customers.” 

In addition to drone-assisted aircraft inspections, HAECO says it is exploring advanced robotic solutions for inspection and logistics that will aim to enable more insightful data analytics and improved operational efficiency.

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