JAL to Start Level 4 Driverless Towing Tractor Operations at Fukuoka Airport on October 26, 2026

Japan Airlines (JAL) and Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd. (FIAC) announced that Level 4 autonomous operations for towing tractors, meaning fully driverless transport under specified operational conditions, will begin at Fukuoka Airport on October 26, 2026. Fukuoka becomes the third airport in JAL's domestic network to introduce Level 4 autonomous driving, following simultaneous launches at Tokyo International (Haneda) and Narita International airports in December 2025. The expansion takes the technology beyond the Tokyo metropolitan area to a major regional aviation hub.

JAL has introduced advanced technologies since 2018 under the Autonomous Driving Committee initiative led by the Civil Aviation Bureau of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). JAL cites three benefits of Level 4 autonomous transport in restricted airport ramp areas, where aircraft, specialized vehicles and ground personnel coexist: offsetting labor shortages caused by Japan's declining working-age population, lowering carbon emissions through zero-emission electric vehicles, and reducing human-error risks in high-traffic ramp environments. The vehicle is the EZTow, made by TLD Robotics (formerly TractEasy). It measures 3.20 m x 1.84 m x 2.05 m, weighs 4.07 t and has a maximum towing capacity of 14.0 t.

JAL plans to progressively expand autonomous vehicle fleet sizes, routes and coverage areas across Japan. It will combine autonomous towing tractors with other solutions such as remote-controlled aircraft tugs, automated aircraft washing equipment and single-operator snowplows. With MLIT support, JAL will also strengthen cross-industry collaboration, including coordination with All Nippon Airways (ANA), which is considering similar adoptions.