Swissport International has partnered with UK-based Aurrigo International to launch its first global trial of autonomous ground handling solutions. The pilot, set to take place at Zurich Airport, marks a major milestone in Swissport’s journey toward digital transformation and operational automation.
This initiative introduces a two-phase approach aimed at modernizing airside logistics. The first phase involves the use of a virtual simulation tool called Auto-Sim, developed by Aurrigo. This digital platform allows Swissport to recreate real-world airport ground operations in a simulated environment. With Auto-Sim, the company can analyze workflows, detect inefficiencies, and explore opportunities for automation. It will also support better decision-making related to airport infrastructure and ground service planning, based on reliable data modeling.
Once the virtual phase is complete, Swissport will move into real-world testing of Aurrigo’s Auto-DollyTug, an autonomous electric vehicle designed specifically for ground support operations. This innovative vehicle is equipped with a full 360-degree obstacle detection system and intelligent awareness software. It can autonomously load and unload unit load devices (ULDs), improving speed, accuracy, and safety in aircraft servicing. The vehicle is also engineered to integrate with existing airport fleet coordination systems, ensuring seamless operations alongside conventional equipment.
According to Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International, this step is vital to enhancing operational capabilities:
“This partnership represents a significant leap in Swissport’s technology journey. By embracing autonomous solutions, we are not only increasing operational efficiency and safety, but also advancing our sustainability goals in collaboration with our airline and airport partners globally.”
The Zurich trial is just the beginning of a broader vision. Swissport and Aurrigo plan to evaluate other airport locations for future deployments. Under the agreement, Swissport has secured exclusive operational access to Aurrigo’s autonomous technologies at all jointly operated airports. The partnership also grants Swissport early access to Aurrigo’s upcoming innovations, including a centralized remote operations platform. This control system will allow Swissport to manage autonomous vehicles remotely, enabling scalable deployment across its international locations.
Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, highlighted the strategic significance of the collaboration:
“Teaming up with Swissport allows us to bring automation to the heart of global aviation. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation and long-term transformation within the industry.”
With rising demands on airport logistics, labor shortages, and increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions, automation is becoming a key part of the aviation industry’s future. Through this pilot project, Swissport is not only testing new technologies—it’s laying the groundwork for smarter, safer, and more sustainable airport ground operations worldwide.
By leading in the adoption of intelligent ground service equipment (iGSE), Swissport is positioning itself as a trailblazer in the next generation of airport service solutions.
