Pioneering Teesside Autonomous Airport System Now in Operation

Support CleanTechnica’s work through a Substack subscription or on Stripe.

Teesside International Airport launched the world’s first simultaneous deployment of autonomous passenger and baggage transport in October, marking a significant step in aviation logistics.

Following an announcement in early August, the driverless system, set into motion by a £1million (~$1.316 million) contract with autonomous vehicle specialist Aurrigo International plc, in now in a testing phase, the pilot program already modernizing ground operations at the publicly owned airport.

There are now two cutting-edge electric vehicles that are still in pilot trials this autumn.

The 8-seat Auto-Shuttle passenger vehicle started activities in October 2025, while the Auto-DollyTug, a revolutionary driverless system for moving cargo and bags, is scheduled for operation in January 2026.

By early in the first quarter of 2026, passengers jetting off to destinations like Alicante, Malaga, and Amsterdam are expected to experience this seamless and greener system, with bags traveling automatically from check-in to the aircraft.

In a press statement, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen hailed the development as proof that “where Teesside leads, the world follows,” underscoring the region’s position as a hub for innovation. Airport Managing Director Phil Forster added that hosting this world-leading technology will not only streamline baggage handling, but is also expected to influence the future movement of passengers across the entire aviation industry. The technology will initially be tested landside at a new center before moving airside for live operations.

The success of the Teesside program is intrinsically linked to the novel design of the two Aurrigo vehicles. The passenger-focused Auto-Shuttle is a ten-seat, all-electric vehicle capable of Level 4 autonomous operation, utilizing a sophisticated array of LiDAR and cameras to navigate its environment.

However, the Auto-DollyTug represents the most significant leap for cargo. Designed from a clean sheet as an all-electric tractor, it possesses the unique ability to carry a single Unit Load Device (ULD), or approximately 1.5 tons of payload, while also towing up to three conventional dollies, handling an additional 7.5 tons of cargo.

Its key industry-first features include bi-directional robotic arms that autonomously load and unload the ULD, and a patented sideways drive system which grants it a 360-degree tank turn capability, allowing for highly precise maneuvering in tightly packed baggage halls and around aircraft stands.

The Teesside deal is part of a broader global expansion by Aurrigo, which recently raised £14.1 million ($18.430 million) to accelerate its growth and scale production to meet rising demand from the seven airports it currently works with worldwide. The UK pilot follows successful deployments and partnerships with Swissport at Zurich Airport, as well as trials at major hubs including Schiphol, Changi, and Stuttgart. Furthermore, the company is testing an all-season version of the Auto-Shuttle in Kanata, Ottawa, demonstrating its resilience in extreme weather.

Locally, this ground-breaking trial will contribute findings to the Tees Valley Combined Authority’s £1 billion ($1.32 billion) transport plan, informing the wider implementation of autonomous public transport systems in the region’s town centers as the government works to update road safety legislation by 2027. — Research by Ysabelle Bianca Fernandez