An Event to Unveil Fuel-Cell Aircraft Tug Held

On August 28, Governor Koike attended an event to unveil an aircraft tug driven by a fuel cell, an event hosted by JALUX Inc. and held at Haneda Airport in Ota Ward.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government aims to expand demand for hydrogen energy and accelerate its early social implementation in Tokyo to ensure a stable energy supply and achieve decarbonization.

With the objectives of promoting the development and commercialization of aircraft ground support vehicles driven by fuel cells—which emit no CO₂ while driving—and stimulating the hydrogen demand in Tokyo’s coastal area encompassing Haneda Airport, the TMG is advancing an initiative, the first of its kind undertaken by a local government in the country, to convert a conventional aircraft tug into a fuel cell-powered one, conduct test operations, and verify the effects of its adoption.

This event was implemented by the project operator (JALUX) to mark the completion of the vehicle conversion and the start of its trial operations. It was attended by Kasai Toshiaki, president and CEO of JALUX, and Tottori Mitsuko, president of Japan Airlines Co.

The governor said, “I look forward to seeing Japan’s first hydrogen fuel cell-driven towing vehicle play a significant role at Haneda Airport, the gateway to Tokyo. The TMG has been advancing its initiatives toward the realization of a hydrogen society, including the use of fuel cell-driven forklifts at Haneda Airport and the establishment of a council to promote the utilization of hydrogen in the coastal area encompassing the airport. I hope these efforts to advance the development of mobility at the airport and to realize a sustainable future will further accelerate from now on. Let’s work together to put them into reality.”