Green light for autonomous vehicles at East Midlands Airport

Aurrigo International plc, a leading international provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has been awarded a licence for the provision of ground handling services at East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the UK.

The Coventry headquartered company has obtained this licence specifically to support its partners in the roll-out and implementation of its autonomous aviation technologies.

By working together with airport teams and providing direct one-to-one support, the forward-looking firm is confident that it will ensure the smooth deployment and integration of its autonomous ground service equipment (GSE) at EMA.

“Securing this licence is another important step in our partnership with East Midlands Airport,” explained David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International.

“We have deliberately sought this approval to make sure we can support our partners as closely as possible, operating fully within the airport’s ground handling framework.

“This means we can be on the ground, providing one-to-one support during the roll-out of our autonomous solutions, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated, compliant, and successful from the outset.

Auto-DollyTug on trial at Stuttgart Airport in Germany.

“Working alongside EMA and other partners, we are shaping the future of airside automation in the UK and beyond.”

Lauren Turner, East Midlands Airport’s head of airfield operations, added her support: “We’re pleased to be working with Aurrigo on this innovative technology that could revolutionise the way goods and crews are moved around the airport.

“As the UK’s number one hub for dedicated air cargo, we’re always looking at ways to work smarter and ensure the operation is safe, efficient and fit for the future.”

The licence, issued pursuant to the Airports (Ground Handling) Regulations 1997 and in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s compliance framework under the Civil Aviation Act 2012, provides Aurrigo with the necessary approvals to deliver agreed ground handling services at EMA.

Aurrigo will now look to obtain ground handling licences at further locations where it is appropriate to do so, in support of its customer activities and implementation of its groundbreaking automated baggage and cargo handling solutions.

It believes that its proactive approach will allow the company to accelerate adoption, deliver value quickly, and build the foundations for wider deployment of automation across the aviation sector worldwide.