Pentastar Aviation, a global private aviation services provider based at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford Township, is advancing aircraft ground safety through the deployment of autonomous wingwalking robots developed by Airtrek Robotics.
The fixed-based operator, or FBO, states it’s the first aviation company to integrate the robotics into day-to-day aviation operations.
The new technology introduces automation to a critical part of aircraft ground handling. During towing operations, Airtrek’s robots move alongside the aircraft to monitor its surroundings and help identify potential obstacles, providing ground crews with greater visibility as they navigate busy ramp and hangar environments.
Traditionally, the ground-based wingwalkers are positioned near an aircraft’s wings during towing to communicate clearance and potential hazards to the tug operator.
“Airtrek has created a solution that complements our crew and their expertise, taking that standard to the next level and further elevating our operations in a way that has previously not been done,” says Ben Hammond, vice president of FBO Services at Pentastar Aviation.
Through the new autonomous technology, Pentastar is implementing a new model for wingwalking that pairs the judgment and operational knowledge of its team with technology designed specifically for the aviation environment.
“Developing technology for aviation requires a deep understanding of the environment and the level of precision that safe aircraft operations demand,” says Chris Lee, co-founder and CEO of Airtrek Robotics. “Pentastar brought that real-world perspective to our development process, lending essential operational expertise that enabled us to refine how this technology works in practice.”
The autonomous wingwalking robots are being deployed in Pentastar’s operations this summer with full implementation expected by Q4 2026.
Pentastar Aviation was founded in 1964, and in 2001 the company was acquired by Edsel B. Ford II.
The company combines high-level aircraft maintenance and management with complementary and support services, including private jet charters, comprehensive aircraft management services, FBO services, full MRO services, in-house catering with Fivestar Gourmet, and advisory services.
For more information, visit pentastar.aero.
