Swissport has announced a new partnership with Aurrigo International plc to conduct the first-ever global pilot of autonomous ground handling technologies at Zurich Airport.
The initiative includes the implementation of both a digital simulation platform and a live trial of a fully autonomous electric vehicle.
Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International, says:This partnership marks a key milestone in Swissport’s innovation journey.
By integrating autonomous technologies into our operations, we are taking a next step in redefining ground handling - improving safety, boosting efficiency, and supporting the sustainability ambitions of our airline and airport partners across our global network.
As part of the partnership, Zurich Airport will be equipped with the Auto-Sim digital simulation platform, which will allow Swissport to model ground operations in a virtual environment, identify potential automation opportunities and support both data-driven infrastructure and operational planning.
The second phase of the pilot will see a live trial of Aurrigo’s autonomous Auto-DollyTug, which, with its 360 degree obstacle detection capabilities, advanced situational awareness and automated loading and unloading capabilities for Unit Load Devices (ULDs), has been designed to optimise ramp operations and provide a seamless integration into Swissport’s fleet coordination plans.
The two companies’ latest collaboration marks the first step of a broader rollout plan which is set to see the joint assessment of additional airport locations fit for future implementation of the new technologies, with Swissport having acquired exclusive operational rights for Aurrigo’s autonomous solutions at its co-operated sites.
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, said:This partnership with Swissport is a pivotal step in scaling autonomous innovation across global aviation.
This agreement underscores our shared commitment to long-term collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence in aviation automation.
