Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and KLM are testing an electric self-driving shuttle service for flight crew.
The second phase of this trial is being carried out in partnership with KLM Cityhopper and KLM Ground Services. It aims to test a fixed, pre-programmed route to and from the apron, which can be used by KLM crew.
This phase follows a successful initial trial of the self-driving Ohmio buses. During the first phase, the focus was on testing technical features and ease of use while making airside stops near the facilities of cleaning and ground handling companies.
The current phase will take place at the apron, thus testing the technology in an even more complex setting alongside arriving and departing aircraft, flight handling operations and airline crew transport.
Jan Zekveld, Head of Innovation Schiphol said:It’s great that we’ve been able to follow up on the trial with the self-driving buses so soon. We’re curious about the insights we’ll gain at this location, particularly because punctuality and safety is crucial on this route. We’re also curious how airline crew members experience self-driving transport. This will help to build trust in the technology and potentially facilitate future integration of other self-driving vehicles.
The vehicle is equipped with sensors and cameras, including LiDAR technology to provide a 360-degree view. This allows the vehicle to detect and move around objects located up to 30 meters away. The shuttle service also makes use of GPS to manoeuvre successfully.
Maarten Koopmans, Managing Director KLM Cityhopper said:I’m very enthusiastic about this trial and think it’s great that our crew can test this innovative, self-driving bus. KLC has always set the trend in implementing the latest technologies and this innovation also fits in perfectly with KLM’s aim to achieve emission-free ground handling by 2030.
This trial contributes towards Royal Schiphol Group’s mission to transform its ground operations by 2050, with all vehicles replaced by a contiguous fleet of autonomous, zero-emission models.
