Fujitsu, Headwaters Use On-Device AI to Aid JAL Cabin Crew

TOKYO, JAPAN, APRIL 10TH , 2025 – Fujitsu Limited and Headwaters Co., Ltd. today announced the successful trial of an offline generative AI solution to streamline cabin crew operations at Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL). The field test, conducted from January 27 to March 26, 2025, focused on improving the speed and quality of handover report creation, a key task in cabin-to-ground communication.

Shinichi Miyata, Head of Cross-Industry Solutions Business Unit, Global Solutions Business Group, Fujitsu Limited, comments:

“We are pleased to announce this example of generative AI utilization in Japan Airlines’ cabin operations. This joint proof-of-concept contributes to the advancement of generative AI in offline environments and has the potential to transform operations across various industries and roles where network access is limited. The success of this meaningful collaboration is a result of the exceptional proposal capabilities of Headwaters combined with Fujitsu’s technological expertise. Moving forward, we remain committed to strengthening our partnership to support our customers’ business expansion and address societal challenges.”

Traditionally, JAL cabin crew dedicate significant time to writing detailed post-flight handover reports. By deploying Microsoft’s Phi-4, a small language model (SLM) optimized for on-device operation, Fujitsu and Headwaters developed a generative AI solution capable of running on tablets without the need for cloud connectivity. 

The result: a chat-based tool that assists crew members in generating accurate, high-quality reports mid-flight or immediately after landing—reducing the time required for this task substantially.

Keisuke Suzuki, Executive Officer, Head of Digital Technology Division, Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. comments:

“We are delighted to have conducted this proof-of-concept for a generative AI solution aimed at enhancing the efficiency of cabin crew operations through our collaboration with Fujitsu and Headwaters. By leveraging generative AI, we aim to streamline the handover report creation process and reduce the burden on our cabin crew, allowing them to provide more personalized and attentive service to each customer. We look forward to further improving customer service through this initiative.”

Fujitsu leveraged its Kozuchi AI platform to fine-tune Phi-4 with historical JAL data, while Headwaters handled system development, quantization, workflow analysis, and trial execution. 

The tool enhances not only operational efficiency but also passenger service by freeing up crew time for more personalized interactions.

Yosuke Shinoda, CEO, Headwaters Co., Ltd., comments:

“We are honored to have been part of this initiative to demonstrate the efficiency of using generative AI for cabin crew reporting alongside Fujitsu and Japan Airlines (JAL). This technology was able to reduce the time necessary to prepare and correct handover reports, which shows great promise for its continued application. We would like to express our gratitude to Microsoft Japan for its outstanding technical capabilities and support. We look forward to continuing to work with Fujitsu to support JAL in the practical application of generative AI.”

JAL executives praised the solution’s potential to transform in-flight workflows. Microsoft Japan also hailed the project as a milestone in practical SLM application for offline environments.

Looking ahead, Fujitsu and Headwaters will continue refinement for full deployment. 

Integration into JAL’s broader generative AI ecosystem is expected, supporting long-term digital transformation goals across the aviation industry.

Tadashi Okazaki, Corporate Executive Officer, Senior Managing Director, Cloud & AI Solutions Business Division, Microsoft Japan Co., Ltd. comments:

“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase this example of SLM utilization on board aircraft (offline), using Fujitsu Kozuchi for Japan Airlines. This project represents an innovative initiative within Microsoft Japan. It is a testament to the high technical capabilities and strong partnership between Fujitsu and Headwaters. We believe this will contribute to the further development of Japan Airlines’ AI initiatives and enhance flight safety and Japanese hospitality.”

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