Autonomous times

Airport World provides an update on the use of autonomous vehicles at Singapore Changi, Newark Liberty, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky and East Midlands airports.

UISEE Technologies has provided Singapore Changi with its first fleet of fully driverless autonomous tractors.

After nearly a year of rigorous trials covering more than 5,000 test trips, two autonomous tractors are now deployed in live airside operations at Changi Airport transferring passenger bags between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4’s baggage handling areas.

More than 10 sensors and cameras on each of the tractors work together to enable the vehicles to safely navigate the complex airside environment in all conditions – day, night and in heavy rain.

The autonomous tractors are also monitored in a control centre during operations, where a remote operator can step in immediately, should human intervention be required.

Another six autonomous tractors will be deployed to a different route between Terminal 2’s baggage handling area and aircraft stands later this year to support baggage operations under a CAG-SATS collaboration.

And the autonomous tractor fleet will be expanded to 24 vehicles by year 2027.

Going forward, Changi Airport Group (CAG) notes that more autonomous tractors will be deployed to tow cargo and equipment, in addition to baggage.

Changi’s autonomous tractor initiative was fully supported and co-funded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), and according to the gateway, marks a significant leap in its push for innovation and operational efficiency, raising manpower productivity while enhancing safety and reliability.

Liu Yanling, CAG’s senior vice president of airport operations strategy and transformation, said: “Through collaborating with our airport partners to redesign work processes and infrastructural policies, we are shaping a future-proofed working environment where autonomous vehicles can function safely and seamlessly with other human-driven vehicles, with workers focusing on last mile operations.”

UISEE notes that it has operated in the autonomous driving market for over 10 years and, to date, has deployed operator-free autonomous solutions at 21 major airports worldwide as it “empowers global airports toward safer, more efficient and smarter operations”.

AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TRIALS AT NEWARK LIBERTY

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) is partnering with autonomous vehicle technology companies Oceaneering, Ohmio and Glydways to test electric self-driving shuttles at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) throughout spring 2026.

The agency is evaluating options to provide automated connections between EWR’s existing facilities and the new AirTrain Newark system currently under construction.

The new AirTrain Newark is scheduled to open in 2030, and planning is underway for a future Terminal B that will be located adjacent to a future AirTrain station.

Zero-emissions vehicles from each firm will be tested separately in an area of the airport that is not publicly accessible during two-week periods.

The tests are designed to simulate a high-capacity shuttle network with multiple vehicles operating simultaneously in a complex airport environment.

Oceaneering will be tested in March, Ohmio in late March and Glydways in May. The trials are intended to qualify participating firms to respond to a formal Port Authority request for proposals, which may be issued in 2027.

“As we advance the redevelopment of Newark Liberty International Airport, we are looking for opportunities to improve our passengers’ time at our airport through unique customer-first experiences as soon as you step onto airport property,” said Port Authority chairman, Kevin O’Toole.

“We have been working with self-driving technology successfully for many years, particularly at the airports, and believe autonomous shuttles offer a safe, efficient solution for moving passengers while we concurrently work to build a new AirTrain Newark and the brand-new Terminal B.”

The Port Authority’s October 2024 request for innovation invited proposals from companies that could provide an electric autonomous transportation network. Firms were asked to respond with how they could service two locations, approximately 2,500 feet apart, for five years.

“Autonomous vehicles are in use around the world and around the country, and they are part of the modern travel experience whether in a private car, a for-hire vehicle or on public transit,” noted Port Authority executive director, Kathryn Garcia.

“We are building a new Newark Liberty that meets the demands of the next generation of travel, so we must embrace a future that is inclusive of all the different ways we can move this region.”

AURRIGO HOSTS REGULATORY DEMO AT CVG

Aurrigo International plc has helped aviation regulators gain a greater understanding of how autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) can be safely integrated into live airport operations with its latest demo.

Working in partnership with early adopter Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), the company hosted high-profile representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The session enabled regulators to observe an autonomous Auto-DollyTug operating in a live airport setting at CVG, including obstacle detection, defined routing, oversight, and fail-safe procedures.

“Experiencing the technology in operation is essential. It allows authorities to interrogate performance data, validate mitigation strategies, and evaluate how autonomous systems integrate within existing safety management frameworks,” explained David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International plc.

“Engagement of this nature supports the development of clear regulatory pathways and operational guidance, ensuring autonomy is deployed responsibly while enhancing safety, resilience, and efficiency across airport environments.”

He concluded: “As automation expands across the airside environment, authorities are taking a proactive approach, seeking detailed insight into safety cases, operational risk assessments, human–machine interaction, cybersecurity safeguards, and the practical realities of mixed-traffic ramp operations.”

In another milestone for Aurrigo, the UK based company has been awarded a licence for the provision of ground handling services at East Midlands Airport (EMA) in the UK.

It has obtained the licence specifically to support its partners in the roll-out and implementation of its autonomous aviation technologies.

Lauren Turner, East Midlands Airport’s head of airfield operations, said: “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.”