The aviation industry is now using robots to modernize one of its most routine yet essential operations: washing aircraft. As environmental regulations tighten and airlines face increasing pressure to operate more efficiently, robotic cleaning systems are emerging as a practical solution for exterior aircraft maintenance.
Traditionally, washing planes has been a labor-intensive and water-consuming task. Manual wet washes for wide-body aircraft can use up to 12,000 liters of water and require teams of eight to twelve workers, taking as long as six to eight hours to complete. But new robotic systems, such as those developed by Nordic Dino Robotics, are changing that paradigm.
“These modern aircraft cleaning machines dramatically reduce cleaning time,” said Veronika Andrianovaite, Chief Commercial Officer at Nordic Dino. “Narrow-body aircraft can be cleaned in one to two hours, and wide-body aircraft in about four hours, with only one robot operator and one or two manual helpers.”
Robotic washing not only reduces labor requirements but also significantly cuts water usage. For example, robotic dry washing of a narrow-body aircraft requires just 45 liters of water and 5 liters of detergent—compared to the thousands of liters needed for manual wet washing. Even robotic wet washing methods are more efficient, using 200–250 liters of water-detergent mix and up to 1,000 liters for rinsing.
The choice between wet and dry washing depends largely on the aircraft’s condition and its operating environment. Dry wash is effective for routine maintenance and lightly soiled aircraft, while wet wash is reserved for more heavily contaminated surfaces. However, in sandy regions such as the Middle East, dry washing is typically avoided, as it can grind abrasive particles into the aircraft’s surface. “Think of it like washing a car covered in sand—no one would attempt to clean it without water first,” Andrianovaite explained.
Environmental constraints also influence the decision. Some airports, such as Frankfurt, have banned wet washing inside hangars due to outdated drainage systems. In other regions, like Spain, wet washing is restricted during the summer months due to water shortages. Under such conditions, robotic dry wash becomes not only a convenient alternative but often the only feasible one.
Robotic systems are also helping operators navigate the patchwork of airport regulations regarding cleaning agents, water drainage, and treatment systems. Most robotic operations can be performed in hangars or wash bays equipped with standard drainage, without requiring additional infrastructure upgrades.
With growing environmental awareness and the drive for cost savings, many operators are moving to a hybrid approach: starting with an occasional wet wash to remove heavy contamination, followed by regular dry washes to maintain cleanliness and reduce build-up.
Nordic Dino, a division of Avia Solutions Group, has positioned itself as a global leader in robotic aircraft washing systems. Its technology supports both wet and dry methods and is used by operators across a range of climates and regulatory environments.
As the aviation sector looks to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining high operational standards, robotic aircraft washing is proving to be a smart investment. Faster, cleaner, and more sustainable than traditional methods, robots are becoming an integral part of the ground operations that keep modern fleets in the air.
