Press Release

Tokyo, JAPAN - On June 12, 2025, Japan Airlines (JAL) was selected to participate in the “Implementation Project for Realizing Next-Generation Air Mobility” led by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). This initiative aims to focus on the development of essential technologies and performance evaluation methods required for the safe operation of multiple drones by a single operator ("one-to-many operations") (hereinafter "the Project"). Through this Project, JAL aims to establish safety management requirements envisioned for practical business use and contribute to the formulation of national guidelines and framework designs.

Notes:
(*1) Decision on Implementation Framework for the FY2025 "Implementation Project for Realizing Next-Generation Air Mobility"（Japanese Only）
https://www.nedo.go.jp/koubo/SR3_100015.html
(*2) NEDO "ReAMo Project"
https://reamo.nedo.go.jp/en/

■The Project

Under this Project, JAL will demonstrate "simultaneous operation of multiple drones" at Levels 3.5 and 4 (*3) in scenarios encompassing logistics and other anticipated applications. These demonstrations will be conducted in cooperation with flight management systems. By systematically standardizing risk assessment processes tailored to specific operational types and business models, JAL intends to draft safety management requirements. These outcomes will serve as foundational inputs for the Civil Aviation Bureau's development of guidelines and regulatory frameworks.

As Japan faces challenges stemming from a declining population and aging society, the expanded utilization of drones is increasingly anticipated to address various social issues, including applications in logistics and infrastructure inspection. To achieve practical implementation with business viability, efforts are advancing to enhance operational efficiency by enabling single operators to conduct "simultaneous operation of multiple drones." This includes the development of essential systems, such as flight management systems, necessary for these operations.

JAL remains committed to contributing to the realization of a society where drones can be safely and effectively utilized. By leveraging insights gained from this Project in collaboration with public and private sectors, as well as knowledge accumulated through prior drone-related initiatives (*4), JAL will continue to actively support advancements in drone operations.

(*3) Since there are currently no existing aircraft that have obtained Type 1 certification compatible with simultaneous operations of multiple drones, this demonstration is scheduled to operate at the equivalent of Level 4.
(*4）Jun 11,2025　JAL Becomes the First in Japan to Obtain "Drone Service Quality Certification (JIS Y1011)"
　　https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202506/008860.html

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