COVENTRY, UK, Aug 18, 2025 – Teesside International Airport will trial autonomous vehicles under a £1 million contract with Aurrigo International. The project pairs passenger shuttles with baggage-moving tugs to test how driverless systems can streamline airport operations, reduce carbon emissions, and improve passenger experience. The rollout starts in mid-October, when the company’s eight-seat Auto-Shuttle will transport passengers from the aircraft steps to the terminal building. By January 2026, the Auto-DollyTug – a driverless vehicle will follow, carrying baggage and cargo across the airport.
The vehicles will first operate landside at the airport’s new connected autonomous mobility test center, where they will undergo a testing phase. Early next year, the systems are expected to move airside, with trials expanding to bulk-loaded baggage operations. The goal is to demonstrate how bulk baggage can be transported to aircraft hold loading teams.
“We are really excited to bring our autonomous technology to the North East,” commented David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International.
“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.”
He continued: “There is no escaping the fact that the aviation world is accelerating its desire to reduce its environmental impact in line with Net Zero guidelines. Our driverless vehicles present a real-world ‘ready’ opportunity to not only take significant amount of carbon out of operations but also boost the speed and efficiency in which you can move passengers and bags airside in the process.”
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. 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.”
Airport managing director Phil Forster added: “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 the expertise of Aurrigo.”
The Auto-DollyTug carries a single Unit Load Device (ULD) containing baggage and cargo and is designed for maneuvering in confined airport spaces. It features 360-degree obstacle detection combined with a patented sideways drive system, enabling it to navigate between ground service equipment (GSE) where conventional tugs cannot. With its tank-turn capability and robotic arms, the tug can load and unload devices (ULD) with precision. This system is currently in operation at major hubs, including Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and Zurich Airport, in partnership with Swissport.
“We’ve never integrated Auto-DollyTug and Auto-Shuttle together airside, so Teesside will be delivering a global first,” added David.
“The latter is a fantastic way of moving passengers or ground staff over short distances on agreed routes. There is no need for a driver, freeing up members of the team for other activities, and it is completely electric.”
Source: Aurrigo
About Aurrigo International
Aurrigo International plc, headquartered in Coventry, UK, is a technology-driven company specializing in autonomous and automated solutions for the aviation and automotive industries. Established as part of the RDM Group, it has been in business for over 30 years, developing airside ground handling systems, baggage transportation and autonomous vehicle solutions. Aurrigo serves major airports, airlines, logistics providers, and automotive manufacturers, focusing on efficiency and sustainability through automation. Aurrigo has expanded globally, working with clients across North America, Europe, and Asia. As of recent financial reports, its annual revenue exceeds £10 million, with continuous growth driven by increased demand for innovative mobility solutions.