Teesside International Airport is set to become one of the first in the world to trial a fully integrated autonomous transport system for both passengers and baggage, following a contract worth nearly £1 million awarded to Aurrigo International by the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA).
The agreement will see the UK-based technology company deploy two of its flagship innovations — the Auto-Shuttle and the Auto-DollyTug — in a staged rollout beginning later this year.
Passenger transport first, baggage handling next
The first step of the project will begin in mid-October, when Aurrigo introduces its eight-seat Auto-Shuttle to carry passengers from aircraft steps directly to the terminal building. This initial phase will give airport users an early glimpse of how autonomous vehicles can improve the journey between plane and terminal.
In early 2026, the focus will shift to baggage logistics with the introduction of the Auto-DollyTug. Unlike conventional tugs that require human drivers, this system is fully autonomous, designed to transport luggage and cargo around the airport seamlessly. The DollyTug will be tested initially on the landside at Teesside’s Connected Autonomous Mobility test center before moving airside once safety validation is complete.
Aurrigo will also trial integration with bulk baggage handling, allowing bags to be delivered directly to aircraft loading crews — a process expected to cut down turnaround times and improve efficiency.
Industry-first integration
David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International, highlighted the significance of the contract:
“We’ve deployed our autonomous shuttles and DollyTugs at airports around the world, but this will be the first time the two systems are integrated in live operations. Teesside and TVCA are sending a clear message about their ambition to lead in aviation innovation.”
Sustainability at the core
Beyond operational improvements, the project aligns with the aviation industry’s growing focus on decarbonisation and net-zero targets. By replacing conventional ground service vehicles with driverless electric alternatives, Teesside expects to reduce emissions while making passenger and baggage movements faster and more reliable.
Keene added that autonomous vehicles present a “real-world, ready-to-deploy solution” for greener operations and increased efficiency.
Teesside Airport’s managing director, Phil Forster, said the partnership reinforces the airport’s reputation for innovation:
“We were first in the UK to introduce new-generation security scanners, and now we’re leading on autonomous baggage and passenger systems. This technology won’t just improve the passenger journey here in Teesside — it has the potential to reshape airport operations across the globe.”
Proven track record abroad
Aurrigo’s technology is already being used at major international airports including Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky, Amsterdam Schiphol, and Zurich, where trials have demonstrated the DollyTug’s unique capabilities. Equipped with 360-degree obstacle detection, a sideways drive system, and robotic loading arms, the vehicle can maneuver in tight spaces and handle cargo with minimal human input.
With Teesside now hosting the UK’s first integrated deployment, the airport is positioning itself as a pioneer in autonomous aviation systems, showcasing how cutting-edge technology can deliver efficiency, sustainability, and a smoother travel experience for passengers.
