Friday, July 11, 2025
Japan Airlines (JAL), one of the nation’s top carriers, is testing a next-generation technological platform aimed at enhancing operating efficiency at its hub at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. The technology, called HALO, is part of the American company Moonware and uses artificial intelligence to optimize ground operations and resource management. To play a vital part in JAL’s ongoing modernization of its aircraft and ground services fleets, HALO aims to increase the airline’s abilities and offer smoother, more efficient passenger service.
As part of its efforts to modernize operations, Japan Airlines has teamed with JAL Ground Services (JGS) to implement HALO at one of the busiest airports in the world. The testing phase will be aimed at enhancing the management of below-the-wing operations, including handling aircraft on the ground, baggage, fuelling, and other ground handling services. Through the smooth running of these critical functions, Japan Airlines expects to minimize operational delays, enhance cost management, and streamline the passenger experience at the airport in Tokyo Haneda.
What is HALO?
HALO means High Altitude, Low Opening. It’s simply the HALO (Ground Control System) is designed to enhance efficiency in dynamic and fast-paced environments, such as those found in airports worldwide. It uses AI to optimize the allocation of tasks, enabling teams to respond quickly and effectively to any operational changes or disruptions. By providing a centralized system to manage and monitor various aspects of ground operations, HALO ensures all activities are aligned and coordinated.
The key to HALO’s functionality is its dynamic scheduling system. In an industry where operations can change unexpectedly—due to weather conditions, technical issues, or changes in flight schedules—HALO’s ability to adjust tasks in real-time ensures that operations remain smooth and on time. Additionally, the system enables employees to only be assigned tasks they are certified to perform, ensuring high safety and operational standards.
With the capacity to track every action with photographic proof at the point of completion, HALO also enhances accountability and record-keeping of operations. Its incorporation of AI-based decision-making in this system can be particularly effective in high-intensity environments such as Tokyo Haneda Airport, where it handles millions of passengers and flights per year as part of its challenging logistics.
HALO Benefits for Japan Airlines
HALO technology
Japan Airlines expects to see some of the following enhancements with the adoption of HALO in its ground operations. The first major advantage of HALO is delay minimization. Every minute makes a difference in the business of airlines. Delay and disruption in operations result in high costs to airlines, both in terms of money and customer dissatisfaction. Through the centralization of operations and enhancing coordination between various teams, HALO will reduce these hassles to enable Japan Airlines to achieve more regular flights.
It also has the potential to reduce operating costs. By optimizing the use of resources, HALO shall be in the position to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, making more productive use of available resources. This shall result in cost savings for the airline, primarily during peak periods where managing masses of people and flights becomes quite important. The artificial intelligence technology in HALO shall also enable Japan Airlines to manage changes in operating demands more effectively, accommodating changing circumstances without affecting quality and safety.
Fleet Modernization Enhances Technology for Ground Operations
Aside from the modernization of ground operations technology, Japan Airlines is also in a tremendous aircraft renewal. The company has made hefty orders for the next-generation aircraft like the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 737 MAX. The latest generation of aircraft has more efficient use of fuel, quieter engines, and greater passenger amenities, in addition to Japan Airlines’ operating efficiency and customer service.
With a total of 38 Boeing 737 MAX 8s on order, Japan Airlines is preparing to replace its aging Boeing 737-800s. The new aircraft are particularly crucial for Japan Airlines’ short-haul routes, which serve not only domestic destinations but also select international locations in China and Taiwan. By modernizing its fleet, Japan Airlines is positioning itself to maintain its competitive edge in the ever-evolving airline industry.
The Road Forward for Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines’ partnership with Moonware and the introduction of the HALO system represent the airline’s dedication to embracing new technologies that can improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. As Tokyo Haneda Airport continues to experience high levels of traffic, optimizing ground operations will be essential to maintaining smooth operations.
Though the implementation of HALO is in its testing stages, the outcomes to date have been encouraging. The future opportunities to optimize ground-level decision-making, enhance coordination, and contain costs place Japan Airlines in a position to remain competitive in the tough global air market. Through both technological advancements in ground handling and ground-breaking aircraft modernization, Japan Airlines seems to be in a good position to prepare for the future, delivering to the passenger the seamless, efficient, and enjoyable journey experience desired by air travelers around the world. As the airlines sector continues to transform, Japan Airlines’ forward-thinking attitude to technology and modernizing its fleets is a clear signal of its determination to remain one of Japan’s leading carriers. With HALO at the forefront of ground operations optimization, travelers who pass through Tokyo Haneda airport have reason to expect a more efficient and pleasurable experience.
(Source: Japan Airlines, Moonware, JAL Ground Services, Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan, AI technology, ground operations system, fleet modernization, operational efficiency)
