The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
JAL and Toyota Industries to Test Level 4 Autonomous Towing Tractors on More Challenging Routes at Haneda Airport
Key Highlights November 2026 Trials: Japan Airlines (JAL) and Toyota Industries will begin trials of Level 4 autonomous towing tractors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. More Challenging Routes: The trials will include tunnel sections, testing autonomous operations in more complex driving environments. Building on Previous Success: JAL launched commercial Level 4 autonomous towing operations at Haneda on December 15, 2025, using shared infrastructure provided by Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB). Advanced Airport Infrastructure: The trials will assess coordination with airport signalling systems, cameras and other shared infrastructure supporting driverless vehicles. Reduced Labour Requirements…
JAL and Toyota Industries Corporation are preparing to begin trials of Level 4 autonomous towing tractors at Tokyo's Haneda Airport, with tests scheduled to start in November 2026.
The trials will explore more challenging routes, including tunnel sections, to evaluate autonomous operations in complex driving environments.
The effort builds on JAL’s previous launch of commercial Level 4 autonomous towing operations at Haneda on December 15, 2025, using shared infrastructure provided by Japan's Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB).
The trials will assess coordination with airport signaling systems, cameras, and other shared infrastructure that support driverless vehicles, as part of advancing advanced airport infrastructure.
A key aim is to address ground-handling staff shortages, improve operational efficiency, and reduce reliance on human drivers, while also pursuing environmental benefits through electric autonomous towing tractors.
JAL and Toyota Industries plan to expand autonomous towing technology to different operating environments, with the goal of deployment at airports across Japan.