Changi Airport has begun operating fully driverless autonomous tractors to support baggage transport on its airside, following almost a year of trials involving more than 5,000 test journeys.
The deployment forms part of the airport’s longer-term plan to introduce more automation into airside operations while redesigning ground handling roles.
Two autonomous tractors are currently in use, transferring passenger baggage between the baggage handling areas of Terminal 1 and Terminal 4. Each vehicle is equipped with more than ten sensors and cameras, allowing it to navigate the airside environment in different weather and lighting conditions. Operations are supervised remotely from a control centre, where an operator can intervene if required.
Later in 2026, a further six autonomous tractors are scheduled to be deployed on a separate route between Terminal 2’s baggage handling area and aircraft stands. This phase will be carried out under a collaboration between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and SATS to support baggage handling operations. The total fleet is expected to increase to 24 autonomous tractors by 2027, with future deployments planned for towing cargo and ground equipment in addition to baggage.
The project is co-funded by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and supports Changi Airport’s broader innovation strategy. This includes the use of autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence initiatives such as “Aircraft 360”, and the adoption of automation and robotics to improve manpower productivity.
By automating driving tasks, the autonomous tractors allow airside workers to focus on activities that are more complex and less suited to automation, such as last-mile handling. To support safe operations, designated autonomous vehicle zones have been marked on the airside, and all vehicles are clearly labelled to ensure visibility to other workers and drivers.
Ms. Liu Yanling, CAG’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations Strategy & Transformation said:The operationalisation of our autonomous tractors today represents a huge step forward for Changi Airport, as we move towards our vision of the airside of the future. Through collaborating with our airport partners to redesign work processes and infrastructural policies, we are shaping a future-proofed working environment where autonomous vehicles can function safely and seamlessly with other human-driven vehicles, with workers focusing on last mile operations.
As preparations continue for Terminal 5, expected to be operational in the mid-2030s, CAG and its partners are using such initiatives to review job scopes and operational processes. The aim is to support productivity gains while enabling airside staff to take on roles that require higher levels of skill and oversight.
Mr Kuah Boon Kiam, Senior Vice President, SATS Apron Services said:We are pleased to work with Changi Airport Group and CAAS in trialling autonomous tractors as part of our efforts to redesign jobs and ensure our employees remain future-ready while providing a safe working environment for our people. This initiative supports SATS’ Hub Handler of the Future programme, where the integration of automation into our airside operations is a core focus to enhance safety, boost turnaround efficiency, and uplift service quality. For travellers, this translates into more reliable baggage handling and smoother aircraft turnarounds, supporting on-time departures and a seamless airport experience.
