Airtrek Robotics Inc. and Execaire Aviation Partner to Usher in a New Era of Autonomous Wingwalking Technology
July 9 ,2025 – Montreal, QC — In a landmark collaboration set to redefine aviation ground operations, Airtrek Robotics Inc., a leader in autonomous robotics, has partnered with Execaire Aviation, one of Canada’s longest and most respected private aviation companies, to develop and deploy cutting-edge autonomous wingwalking robot technology. This pioneering initiative is expected to transform traditional aircraft towing by enhancing precision, safety, and efficiency across airport ramp operations.
Bridging Innovation and Aviation Legacy
The partnership brings together two organizations with deep expertise in their respective fields. Execaire Aviation, with more than 60 years of experience in aircraft operations, maintenance, and ground handling, is known for its high standards of service and commitment to innovation. Airtrek Robotics Inc., a fast-growing tech startup, has made headlines for developing advanced autonomous mobility systems capable of operating in complex environments using AI, vision systems, and real-time analytics.
Airtrek Robotics is developing autonomous wingwalking robots—sophisticated machines designed to assist with the ground movement of aircraft. These robots will feature real-time risk detection, high-precision navigation, and adaptive situational awareness that mimics and enhances the role of human wingwalkers. Execaire Aviation is supporting the initiative as a pilot operator and market partner, helping validate the technology in active aviation environments and provide critical feedback for commercial readiness. Leveraging advanced sensors and AI algorithms, the robots are designed to guide aircraft towing procedures with millimeter-level accuracy, even in complex and dynamic ramp conditions.
Redefining Ground Safety and Efficiency
The innovation couldn’t come at a more critical time. As the aviation industry continues to rebound and scale after years of volatility, operators face mounting pressure to enhance safety protocols, reduce delays, and minimize operational risk. Among the most costly and disruptive issues in ground operations are hangar rash incidents; accidental contact between an aircraft’s wing and obstacles or other aircraft. These events can result in damages that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per incident, lead to flight delays, and raise significant safety concerns.
Traditional towing procedures rely heavily on manual coordination and human wingwalkers, leaving room for error in high-traffic, low-visibility, or high-pressure ramp environments. The introduction of autonomous wingwalking technology aims to virtually eliminate these risks by providing a consistently accurate and reliable solution that enhances situational awareness and ensures safe maneuvering.
“Our collaboration with Execaire represents more than just innovation—it’s about trust, vision, and shared purpose,” said Chris K. Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Airtrek Robotics Inc. “This technology is designed to operate in the most demanding ramp environments, augmenting human capability with machine precision. Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in aircraft ground handling.”
Execaire Aviation’s leadership echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the alignment between the two organizations’ values and long-term objectives.
“We’re taking innovation to the next level,” said Rudy Scholaert, Senior Vice President at Execaire Aviation. “This partnership is not just a milestone for our companies—it’s a leap forward for the entire industry. Airtrek’s autonomous wingwalking solution brings together real-time risk detection and pinpoint accuracy in a way that enhances both safety and operational efficiency. We’re proud to be on the forefront of this transformation.”
From Concept to Deployment
The collaboration is now entering its advanced concept development phase, with system architecture, software integration, and environmental testing well underway. Early prototypes have already undergone rigorous testing for autonomous navigation in real-world airport environments, including performance in challenging inclement weather conditions. Critical functionalities, including aircraft detection, wingwalking mission behaviors, and communication with tug systems, are demonstrating strong progress as they are tested.
Live prototype trials are scheduled to begin at Execaire Aviation’s operational facilities in the latter half of 2025. During this phase, the partners will engage with ramp crews, safety officers, and regulatory bodies to ensure the system meets real-world aviation requirements and complies with industry standards.
“This isn’t just about building a robot,” said Lee. “It’s about designing a fully integrated, human-compatible system that works harmoniously in live operational environments. We’re approaching this challenge with humility, technical rigor, and an obsession with safety.”
Looking Ahead
Looking toward the future, both companies see this as a foundational step toward broader adoption of autonomous systems in aviation. Beyond towing assistance, the underlying platform being developed may pave the way for a full suite of intelligent ground operation tools—including autonomous taxiing, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) cleaning, robotic post-flight inspection, autonomous marshaling, gate alignment assistance, and predictive maintenance analytics.
In a sector historically cautious about adopting automation, the Airtrek – Execaire Aviation partnership signals a shift toward bold, collaborative innovation. By bringing together proven aviation operations experience and next-generation robotics engineering, the project is poised to make a meaningful impact on how aircraft are managed and moved on the ground.
This partnership is not just a project; it’s a glimpse into the future of flight support, a future where human expertise and autonomous technology work together seamlessly to make aviation safer, faster, and more reliable.
Media Contacts
Execaire Aviation: Ashley Courtis, Head of Marketing & Communications, 437-552-6033, ashley.courtis@execaire.com, www.execaireaviation.com, facebook.com/execaireaviation, Instagram.com/execaireaviation
Airtrek Robotics Inc: Chris K. Lee, Co-Founder & CEO, 650-439-9626, chris.lee@airtrekrobotics.com, www.airtrekrobotics.com, LinkedIn.com/company/airtrek-robotics
