Airport to roll out 'global first' driverless vehicles

An airport has unveiled a £1 million “global first” driverless passenger and baggage system.

Teesside International Airport is set to roll out an autonomous service pilot.

The hub is working with aviation firm Aurrigo International, with an eight-seater passenger shuttle due to start operations in October.

A driverless tug is planned for January.

The vehicles will begin operations at a new test centre, to map out routes and complete trials, before moving airside.

Phil Forster, the airport’s managing director, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to host more world-leading technology and chalk up another UK – and global – first.

“It will help us shape how we move passengers in the future, and will likely have an impact on the whole aviation industry.

“We were first in the UK to install security scanners to allow passengers to keep liquids and electronics in bags, and now we’re leading the world in driverless cargo and bag systems.”

David Keene, Aurrigo International chief executive, added: “We are really excited to bring our autonomous technology to the North East.

“Our auto-shuttle and auto-dolly tugs are being deployed all across the world, but this will be the first time we have integrated them together at a live airport.”

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