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Aurrigo’s smart airside solution wins global aviation prize with Auto-DollyTug® breakthrough

Thursday October 24th

Latest News from Aurrigo International plc

Alex Doisneau (Dnata) presents the award to Miles Garner (Aurrigo International plc)

New technology born in the UK has secured one of the aviation sector’s most prestigious awards at a high-profile event in London yesterday.

Aurrigo International plc, which employs over 100 people at its Advanced Engineering Centre on the outskirts of Coventry, rose above the competition from some of the biggest global names in the industry to win Air Cargo News’ Innovation Product of the Year.

Sponsored by Dubai-based Dnata, the accolade recognised the impact of the firm’s Auto-DollyTug®, a zero emission, all-electric, autonomous vehicle that can efficiently move baggage and cargo around airports.

Judges, who ranged from James Wyatt (Aeroconcept) and Brendan Sullivan (IATA) to Alexandra Herdman of Logistics UK, praised the company for implementing one of the biggest changes in the aviation industry for nearly 40 years and a breakthrough that has the potential to deliver cost, efficiency and environmental improvements.

Miles Garner, Sales & Marketing Director, picked up the award at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London in front of 250 people.

“The last twelve months have seen us make strong progress as a key player in smart airside solutions, with our Auto-DollyTugs now operational in six airports and a world first when Changi agreed to bring in a fleet of our four autonomous baggage handling vehicles to pilot under wing operations.

“This prize is the real icing on the cake. The Air Cargo News Awards is one of the biggest competitions in the sector and for us to win against superb innovations from AEROTUF, Asia Airfreight Terminal and Dronamics is a fantastic feeling.”

He continued: “We’ll definitely take this accolade forward and use it as part of ongoing discussions with different airports keen to embrace our new autonomous technology.”

Auto-DollyTug® is the result of extensive airside testing that has been fed into the latest model that utilises camera and LIDAR sensor technology and is powered by an all-electric powertrain.

Combining the utility of a baggage tractor and the unit load device (ULD) carrying capability of an airport dolly, it can carry one ULD on board while towing up to four ULDs in one go.

Other industry firsts include rotating in its own length using 360-degree tank turn capability and, using the groundbreaking sideways drive system, move directly sideways and slide into tight spaces in baggage halls and aircraft stands. This enables the swift delivery of a single ULD even when other GSE equipment is in place at the aircraft.

Maybe most impressive of all, Aurrigo’s auto-loading and release management system adds bi-directional robotic arms to the body to allow the vehicle to autonomously load and unload the ULD from itself. This provides the world’s first end-to-end autonomous solution.

Miles concluded: “These advancements will lead to a significant improvement in the utilisation of space in a baggage hall and the efficient movement of ULDs, which both equate to substantial cost savings, enhanced passenger flow and environmental wins across an airport. In some cases, we estimate that replacing a diesel tug with Auto-DollyTug® could deliver a 60% ‘green’ benefit.”

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company across its social media channels.

(l-r): Alex Doisneau (Dnata) presents the award to Miles Garner (Aurrigo International plc)

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo, Calls for Transformation in Ground Support Industry: Introducing the Concept of iGSE

Coventry, UK, October 3, 2024: Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc (AIM: AURR, “Aurrigo”), a leading international provider of smart airside solutions, urges industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and drive the evolution of ground support equipment. As part of Aurrigo’s advanced thinking in this transition, Keene emphasised the necessity for Ground Handlers to transition into a new paradigm he has coined as “iGSE”—intelligent Ground Support Equipment.

“Today’s aviation landscape demands that we step up our game,” Professor Keene stated. “As we move into a new era of airside operations, it is imperative that we harness advanced technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The future belongs to those who will lead the charge in reimagining how ground handling is performed.”

Keene’s vision for iGSE encompasses a suite of advanced, integrated technologies designed to enhance operational performance and streamline airside activities. By adopting smart airside solutions, the industry can reduce turnaround times, improve reliability, and significantly lower its environmental footprint.

Keene outlined several key areas where iGSE can make a profound impact, including:

Automation: Implementing automated systems to minimise human error and enhance operational speed.

Data Analytics: Leveraging real-time data to optimise resource allocation and improve decision-making processes.

Sustainability: Integrating eco-friendly practices into ground support operations to reduce emissions and support global sustainability goals.

“By transitioning to iGSE, we can create a more connected and efficient ground handling environment that meets the demands of modern air travel,” Keene added. “This is not just about technology; it’s about transforming our industry to better serve airlines, passengers, and the planet. Who will be the first GSE to transition to an iGSE?”

Aurrigo is committed to leading the charge in this transformation, investing in designing and developing innovative solutions that position the company—and its partners—at the forefront of the future of airside operations.

Enquiries:

Aurrigo International plc
David Keene, Chief Executive Officer
Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations and Communications

About Aurrigo

Aurrigo International plc is an international designer and developer of fully integrated smart airside solutions for the aviation industry, including automated vehicles, systems and software.

The Group’s proprietary, award-winning autonomous technology and secure management system is supporting some of the world’s leading airports. Customers choose to partner with Aurrigo to transform their baggage and cargo handling operations, improving safety, operational efficiencies and meeting sustainability targets, while navigating growing passenger volumes, rising costs and increasing labour shortages.

Headquartered in Coventry, UK with offices in Singapore and Ottawa, the Group has a 30+ year heritage designing and supplying automotive vehicle manufacturers with highly advanced, innovative product and system solutions.

For more information, see www.aurrigo.com

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