Vistara has announced the use of automated aircraft exterior washing and cleaning solution called AeroWash, that will help reduce costs and improve its carbon footprint, thus becoming the first airline in India to implement robotic aircraft exterior cleaning.
The machine is operated by a user-friendly wireless remote control and is equipped with several safety features and alarm indicators. It uses a micro-fiber brush drum that cleans the aircraft exterior surface using a nearly waterless, dry-wash process.
Vistara said that the earlier manual cleaning process was time-consuming and prone to human error, but the mechanized program is both time efficient and sustainable.
Delighted to use this one-of-a-kind initiative Pankaj Handa, Senior Vice President, Ground Operations, Vistara, commented: “This is yet another step as part of our ongoing efforts towards enhancing efficiencies across various areas of our operations through automation while also constantly looking at improved, and more sustainable ways to do business.”
The new cleaning solution has been introduced in India by Air India SATS (AISATS), in collaboration with AeroTech Support Services Pvt. Ltd.
The intention behind introducing AeroWash is to provide significant cost savings for airlines while aligning with India's vision of sustainability. The advanced cleaning capabilities contribute to reduced aerodynamic drag, resulting in increased fuel savings and a decreased carbon footprint.