EasyJet is set to be the first airline to use drones to help do routine checks on its fleet, as well as using electronic rather than paper charts and logbooks to cut onboard weight and save fuel costs.
The move to cut expenses came as the budget carrier reported a 10.2% rise in passenger number to 5.78m in April compared to the same time last year. The 2014 figures benefited from a later Easter, which fell in April this year rather than March.
As for the unmanned drones, the airline said they would be used for maintenance checks on its 220 Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft, cutting down the time it takes for inspections. It will also use 3D technology to allow engineers to remotely diagnose any technickal problems. Chief executive Carolyn McCall said:
We are applying a range of new technologies to the aviation sector for the first time to help us run our fleet of aircraft more effectively, efficiently and safely.
EasyJet's shares are currently 30p higher at £16.97, the second biggest riser in the FTSE 100.
