Moderation Team
Teesside Airport is set to become the world’s first airport to operate an autonomous baggage and passenger transport system, with a £1 million agreement between Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and Aurrigo International plc. The initiative, launching by 2026, will feature driverless vehicles, including the Auto-Shuttle and Auto-DollyTug, to transport passengers and luggage seamlessly and sustainably. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen highlighted the project’s potential for job creation and global innovation recognition. Trials will commence in October, forming part of a £1 billion transport plan that aims to integrate autonomous technology across the region’s transport infrastructure.
Passengers at Teesside Airport could soon be ferried around on driverless buses, it has been revealed.
A world-first autonomous baggage and passenger transport system is set to launch at the airport, following a £1 million agreement between the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) and aviation technology company Aurrigo International plc.
The scheme will see passengers and luggage moved around the airport using driverless vehicles as early as 2026.
The Aurrigo Auto-DollyTug (Image: Teesside Airport)
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is turning heads once again and showing the world how it’s done.
“This is another massive first for our airport, our region, and our people – proving once again that where Teesside leads, the world follows.
“Being first matters.
“It means jobs, investment, and putting us firmly on the global map for cutting-edge innovation.
(Image: Teesside Airport)
“These vehicles arriving in just a couple of months’ time are a huge boost – and I’m excited to see them serving holidaymakers on our year-round flights in the new year.”
The new technology includes Aurrigo’s eight-seater Auto-Shuttle, which will begin trials in October, and the Auto-DollyTug, a driverless vehicle designed to move baggage and cargo around the airport.
Teesside will be the first airport in the world to use both autonomous passenger and cargo transport on site.
Phil Forster, managing director of Teesside Airport, said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to see Teesside Airport hosting more world-leading technology and chalking up another UK – and global – first.
“To have this technology in place early next year will mean bags will travel from check-in to plane even more seamlessly, and in an even greener way.
“It will also help us shape how we move passengers around Teesside in the future – and will likely have an impact on the whole aviation industry.
“We were first in the UK to install new 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 with Aurrigo.”
The system will first be tested landside at a new test centre, where it will complete route mapping and trial operations before moving airside.
David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, said: “We are really excited to bring our autonomous technology to the North East.
“Our Auto-Shuttle and Auto-DollyTugs are being deployed all across the world, but this will be the first time that we have integrated them together at a live airport.
“It’s a real sign of intent from Teesside International Airport and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.”
The project was first announced earlier this year, with the TVCA approving £2 million in March to establish a pilot hub at the publicly owned airport.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings