Aurrigo is deploying its first autonomous aviation vehicle, Auto-DollyTug in the US with International Airlines Group at Cincinnatti/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The initial deployment is planned for spring, 2024.
The all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor, with the unit load device (ULD), carrying capability of an airport dolly all in one, making a more flexible and space efficient vehicle.
Speaking at the announcement, Aurrigo CEO Professor David Keene, said: “This partnership is an important milestone for us as it will be our first aviation operation in the US – a key target market. This year we will have our autonomous vehicles operating at airports in the UK, Europe, Asia and now the US, showing the clear demand there is in the aviation sector for our technology.”
He added that the collaboration underpins the value that vehicles designed from the ground up to be electric and autonomous provide in terms of substantial efficiency improvements in future ground handling operations.
Candace McGraw, CEO CVG and recently appointed Chair of the ACI World board, added: “As one of the fastest-growing passenger and cargo hubs in the US and globally, CVG is always looking for innovative technologies to improve capacity and efficiency. We look forward to working with Aurrigo and IAG to identify potential solutions to help address many of the issues that aviation currently faces: staffing shortages, safety, capacity and environmental concerns, among others.”
On successful completion of the Auto-Dolly Tug at Cincinnati, Aurrigo expects the expansion of additional vehicles throughout 2025.
