World’s first driverless bus to shuttle holidaymakers at major UK airport

The world’s first driverless bus has been unveiled at a major UK airport, promising to transform how passengers travel between terminals. Designed for efficiency, safety, and sustainability, the autonomous shuttle aims to reduce congestion and cut emissions while providing a smooth, convenient ride for holidaymakers. Equipped with advanced sensors and navigation systems, it represents a significant step forward in integrating autonomous technology into public transport, setting a new standard for airport passenger mobility worldwide.

Soon, travelers will have the opportunity to ride between airport terminals in the first autonomous bus of its kind to operate at a UK airport. A self-driving shuttle with seating for eight will begin testing at Teesside International Airport in October.

Through a £1 million partnership between the airport and Aurrigo International Plc, the bus will transport passengers between terminals, while a separate Auto-Dolly Tug, built for moving cargo, will be trialed in January.

Phil Forster, the airport’s Managing Director, explained that the system could streamline baggage transfers from check-in to aircraft. However, the Auto-Shuttle will complete a testing phase before carrying any travelers on the runway.

If the trials succeed, the vehicles could change the way passengers are transported within airports. They might even be operational for flight connections by 2026. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen told the BBC that the arrival of these vehicles in the coming months is a major step forward, and he looks forward to seeing them serve year-round flights in the New Year.

Their debut follows earlier plans to invest £2 million into building a facility for manufacturing and testing trackless trams. The Tees Valley Combined Authority envisions that such a facility could enable driverless technology to be deployed in town centers by 2027.

Houchen also predicted that the innovation could influence the wider aviation sector. Although Aurrigo has operated autonomous vehicles globally, this will be its first live airport trial. This project represents a world first, with driverless buses operating directly on airport tarmac.

While Scotland has previously tested autonomous buses, they have never been used in an airport environment. The technology can lower operating expenses by eliminating the need for drivers. Despite its potential, driverless transport remains in its early stages and has yet to see large-scale adoption across the UK.

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Source: thesun‍