The cleaning by the Aerowash system goes beyond enhancing the aircraft’s appearance, ensuring thorough cleaning of critical areas like the crown, elevator, or rudder, contributing to overall aircraft hygiene and safety.
Air India, a prominent global airline, has integrated an advanced, environmentally friendly automated aircraft exterior cleaning system called ‘Aerowash.’ This move is expected to elevate the airline’s operational efficiency by leveraging innovative technology for aircraft maintenance. The superior quality of cleaning achieved by the Aerowash system goes beyond enhancing the aircraft’s appearance. It ensures thorough cleaning of critical areas like the crown, elevator, or rudder, contributing to overall aircraft hygiene and safety.
The Aerowash system comes with several modern features, including a robotic micro-fiber brush drum for efficient cleaning. What sets this system apart is its nearly waterless process, significantly enhancing operational efficiencies while aligning with sustainable practices. For a narrow-body aircraft, this process can save up to 30,000 liters of clean water per aircraft annually. In the case of a wide-body aircraft, the water savings can be as high as 75,000 liters per year. Given Air India’s ongoing fleet expansion, the cumulative water savings in the future are expected to be substantial.
“The modern system of cleaning reinforces our dedication to efficiency, sustainability, and pioneering advancements at par with industry-best practices. The device has ensured not only better maintenance of our aircraft but will also contribute to a greener environment in sync with the Tata group’s commitment towards more sustainable ways of doing business,” said S.K. Dash, Chief Technical Officer, Air India.
Aircraft cleaning is a critical aspect of maintenance, traditionally involving time-consuming and resource-intensive manual processes. The Aerowash system not only accelerates the cleaning process but also introduces sustainability benefits. Automated cleaning reduces aerodynamic drag caused by dirt accumulation, leading to a lighter aircraft and improved fuel efficiency. This efficiency gain over the long term contributes to a reduction in carbon footprint. Additionally, the system helps prevent structural damage and corrosion, thereby extending the lifespan of the aircraft.
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Air India’s adoption of the Aerowash system reflects the aviation industry’s ongoing efforts to embrace technology-driven solutions for sustainable and efficient operations. As the airline continues to modernize its fleet, innovations like the Aerowash system play a crucial role in achieving operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
