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Aurrigo International signs landmark £6.28m contract with Ultra Global to build 25 autonomous vehicles

Aurrigo International plc has signed the largest vehicle manufacturing order in its history to manufacture an initial 25-strong fleet of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) for a leading rapid transit system specialist.

The £6.28m deal with Ultra Global Limited will see the provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotic platforms modernise existing vehicle platforms to meet current performance, safety and technology standards. Engineering development work will be completed by the end of this year, with vehicle production and testing to follow, with a completion date of September 2027.

 

The programme draws on Aurrigo International’s deep technical capability across vehicle architecture, systems engineering and advanced technology deployment, ensuring the enhanced platform is robust, future-ready and commercially scalable. This includes engineers and software developers transitioning the battery architecture from lead-acid to lithium-ion systems, whilst upgrading HVAC systems for improved efficiency and passenger comfort. Latest sensor technologies will be integrated into the design with advanced electrical control units and software also chosen to futureproof future models. Retooling and the modernisation of mechanical components will be the final element of the contract that will ensure the delivery of 25, world class, real world AGV for use in airport and passenger settings in the UK.

Jonathan Keeling, Director of Ultra Global Limited, commented: “In evaluating partners globally, Aurrigo distinguished itself through its ability to deliver the complete vehicle solution – from core platform development through to advanced technology implementation.

“We are proud to have found that expertise here in the UK, with manufacturing capability based in the heart of the West Midlands. This contract marks a significant step in advancing the Ultra Global platform to the next level.” “It also gives us the opportunity demonstrate how this technology can address real passenger transport needs across the UK.

The first batch of autonomous vehicles will be utilised for customer demonstrations and supporting commercial engagement activity in the UK and in international markets, as new deployment opportunities are explored.

David Keene, Chief Executive Officer of Aurrigo International, added: “When we announced our recent £14.1million fundraise, we outlined our strategy to secure strategic partners who could unlock new market opportunities and drive sustainable growth. “This approach has delivered a landmark contract with Ultra Global becoming the largest vehicle order in our history, and one that will complement our existing Auto-® range of autonomous vehicles. Our focus now is on delivering a modernised platform that reflects the highest standards of performance and innovation.

“The programme will also support engineering and manufacturing activity in the West Midlands, a region with a strong heritage in vehicle production. We’re proud to be building on that history and putting the expertise of our teams to work on the next generation of autonomous vehicles.” The agreement further demonstrates the latest progress towards the growth strategy outlined in Aurrigo International’s recent £14.1 million capital raise.

This focused on revenue-generating programmes and scaling manufacturing capability in the UK and across a network of global hubs.

Jonathan concluded: “This is the beginning of something very significant for all parties. We anticipate further business and additional orders, as we expand globally and unlock new opportunities for the deployment of our autonomous vehicles.”

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company across its social media channels. More details on Ultra Global can be found on www.ultraglobalprt.com

Aurrigo granted licence to provide Ground Handling Services at East Midlands Airport

Aurrigo’s newest vehicle, the Auto-Cargo®

Coventry, UK – March 3, 2026– Aurrigo International plc (“Aurrigo”), a leading international provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a licence for the provision of Ground Handling Services at East Midlands Airport (EMA).

Aurrigo has obtained this licence specifically to support its partners in the roll-out and implementation of its autonomous aviation technologies. By working hand in hand with airport teams and providing direct, one-to-one support, Aurrigo will ensure the smooth deployment and integration of its autonomous ground service equipment (GSE) at EMA.

David Keene, Chief Executive Officer at Aurrigo, said:
“Securing this licence is another important step in our partnership with East Midlands Airport. We have deliberately sought this approval to make sure we can support our partners as closely as possible, operating fully within the airport’s ground handling framework. This means we can be on the ground, providing one-to-one support during the roll-out of our autonomous solutions, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated, compliant, and successful from the outset. We look forward to working alongside EMA and our partners to help shape the future of airside automation in the UK and beyond.”

East Midlands Airport’s Head of Airfield Operations Lauren Turner said: “We’re pleased to be working with Aurrigo on this innovative technology that could revolutionise the way that goods and crews are moved around the airport. As the UK’s number one hub for dedicated air cargo, we’re always looking at ways to work smarter and ensure the operation is safe, efficient and fit for the future.”

The licence, issued pursuant to the Airports (Ground Handling) Regulations 1997 and in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s compliance framework under the Civil Aviation Act 2012, provides Aurrigo with the necessary approvals to deliver agreed ground handling services at EMA. It reflects Aurrigo’s proven capability, skills, and industry experience in the aviation sector and provides a strong platform for further innovation and collaboration at EMA.

Aurrigo will look to obtain ground handling licences at further locations where it is appropriate to do so, in support of our customer activities and implementation of our groundbreaking automated baggage and cargo handling solutions. This proactive approach will allow Aurrigo to accelerate adoption, deliver value quickly, and build the foundations for wider deployment of automation across the aviation sector worldwide.

About Aurrigo:

Aurrigo International plc (AURR LN) is a UK based developer and producer of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms. Aurrigo’s first application is autonomous airport Ground Support Equipment (GSE) designed to move cargo, baggage and people between terminals, baggage halls and airside next to aircraft. Thus, transforming operations that are manually intensive improving safety, operational efficiencies and meeting sustainability targets, while navigating growing passenger volumes, rising costs and increasing labour shortages.

Aurrigo’s autonomy software and controls, designed to operate in safety- and security-critical harsh environments, have an opportunity to transform airside logistics and bring autonomy to wider markets.

Headquartered in Coventry, UK with offices in Singapore, Cincinnati and Ottawa, the Group has a 33 year heritage designing and supplying automotive vehicle OEM’s with highly advanced, innovative product and system solutions. For more information, please visit the Group’s website at www.aurrigo.com.

Business Desk Ambassador of the Year

Our founder and CEO Prof. David Keene MBE had a bit of a surprise last night.

He was supporting TheBusinessDesk.com Business Awards in Birmingham when it moved to the last title of the evening…the prestigious Ambassador of the Year accolade.

Fifteen seconds into the winner’s preview, he quickly realised Afroze Zaidi and Alex Turner were talking about him!!!!

Safe to say, he’s delighted to be Business Desk’s Ambassador for the West Midlands and has promised to use the award to shout even louder about how great the region is on the global stage.

 

 

Aurrigo Showcase at CINCINNATI / NORTHERN KENTUCKY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

We were incredibly proud to welcome representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Civil Aviation Authority onsite at CVG Airport – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to see our autonomous Auto-DollyTug® operating airside.

As automation accelerates across airport operations, it’s vital that regulators have the opportunity to experience the technology first-hand. Integration of autonomous ground support equipment isn’t just about innovation — it’s about robust safety cases, operational risk assessment, cybersecurity resilience, human–machine interaction, and ensuring seamless performance within mixed-traffic ramp environments.
Moments like this matter. Transparent collaboration between industry and regulators is what will shape clear pathways for certification and operational deployment. By showcasing the technology in real-world conditions, we collectively move closer to delivering safer, more resilient and more efficient airside operations.
A sincere thank you to all involved for the engagement and forward-thinking discussion.

CEO, Prof. David Keene MBE to be the all-programme guest on BBC’s flagship Wake up to Money Show.

Wake Up To Money All Programme Guest

What a morning for our CEO, Prof. David Keene MBE to be the all-programme guest on BBC’s flagship Wake up to Money Show. It gave him the perfect opportunity to talk to Sean Farrington about our global expansion, data centres in space and a return to the European single market.

If you’re not an early riser, you can listen to the full show here.

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