Moonware, which specialises in automated airfield operations, has announced it will test its ground traffic control platform, HALO, at Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) with Japan Airlines (JAL) and JAL Ground Service (JGS). The technology enhances the airline’s ability to manage ground operations at one of the world’s busiest airports.
JAL and JGS will trial HALO at its local ground handling control station as part of a broader initiative to modernise and digitise ground handling workflows. The platform’s deployment will focus on improving below-wing coordination, resource management, and real-time situational awareness.
“Tokyo International Airport is one of the most dynamic and demanding airport environments in the world,” said Javier Vidal, CEO, Moonware. “Working alongside JAL and JGS to bring HALO into this setting represents a significant step in advancing how real-time decisions are made on the ground.”
HALO consolidates operational inputs from across the airside, including equipment, ground crews, and schedule changes, into a centralised system that supports dynamic dispatching, live status updates, and end-to-end visibility. The platform enables real-time communication between the ground handling control station and field teams, allowing JAL and JGS to respond more effectively to disruptions and optimise asset utilisation.
In adopting HALO, JAL and JGS can reduce variability in turnaround times and streamline execution of ground services. Ground activities are tracked, timestamped, and continuously fed into planning tools to support data-driven decisions and long-term process improvements. The trial of HALO highlights the region’s leadership in innovation and underscores the growing shift toward modernising ground operations through intelligent systems.
Hear more from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” taking place in Long Beach, California, on 9 to 11 September 2025. Yutaka Kuratomi, Vice President – Business Marketing Division, Japan Airport Terminal Co. Ltd, will deliver a Special Presentation titled ‘How Haneda Airport is collaborating to create the airport of the future through the “terminal.0 HANEDA” cross-industry innovation initiative, which is expected to provide significant insights by 2026.’
View the FTE Global Track 1 & 2 agendas >> Join us at FTE Global – the “CES of Aviation” – in LA, 9 to 11 September 2025 – registration live >>Groundbreaking FTE Smart Ramp program, accelerating automation and collaborative innovation
Smart Ramp is the latest initiative as part of the groundbreaking FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform launched in partnership with innovation consultancy nlmtd. ACE is dedicated to driving real collaborative action among stakeholders, facilitating fast progress and dynamic change in key areas of the aviation industry which are ripe for transformation. International Airlines Group, Miami International Airport, All Nippon Airways, Royal Schiphol Group, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority are all members of what is a truly global collaborative innovation initiative.
The focus on Smart Ramp operations has the ultimate goal that aircraft turnaround can be achieved autonomously and more efficiently. A phased approach will assess which solutions truly work by each member testing new technologies, while incorporating requirements from the other participants. The program will support startups and introduce new suppliers not yet active in aviation, forging paths together on how to overcome hurdles while also exploring the potential for shared investments in the future. Results of the innovations will be shared with respective experts, industry bodies and regulators, meaning the outcomes can be used to create recommended practices and standards in the industry.
Rapid progress has been made since the launch of Smart Ramp and the innovation challenges already planned by members include some 20 projects across eight airports in 2025. These include All Nippon Airways implementing autonomous towing tractors for cargo transportation to efficiently move cargo from the warehouse to the apron, reducing the need for manual labour in operations.
Learn more about Smart Ramp and the FTE Accelerating Collaboration & Engagement (ACE) platform and how to participate >>You may also be interested in
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