Are you heading to MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined?
Are you heading to MOVE: Mobility Re-imagined? If so be sure to catch our COO, Dr Richard Fairchild, at 2:55 on Day 1 of the conference as he covers the latest in autonomous aviation! Reach out to connect with him onsite and learn more about Aurrigo’s smart airside solutions!
MBE appointment for vehicle pioneer’s airport plan
MBE appointment for Coventry pioneer’s airport plan
David Keene is recognised for his decarbonisation efforts.
Royal seal of approval for autonomous technology trailblazer
One of the UK’s driving forces in autonomous vehicles has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2025.
David Keene, the founder of Aurrigo International plc, has been awarded an MBE(Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the ‘decarbonisation of airports’, marking over 40 years of experience working in the automotive sector and developing driverless technology and intelligent mobility in aviation.
The Warwickshire-based entrepreneur was recognised for the way he has pioneered one of the most significant innovations the aviation world has seen in four decades with the launch of Auto-DollyTug® – an autonomous vehicle that is moving luggage and cargo around six airports across the world.
Designed, developed and built at the firm’s Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry, the electric powered tugs are promising to cut emissions, increase operational performance and, most importantly, improve passenger experience.
The MBE comes just a few weeks after Aurrigo International secured its largest agreement to date, entering into a strategic partnership with Swissport to launch at Zurich Airport and then explore future implementation at other locations across the world.
“When you’ve been in business for four decades, nothing tends to surprise you…until this!” commented Professor David Keene MBE.
“Aurrigo has come a long way since I started the business in my spare room in 1993. Whilst automotive components (mainly wiring looms and electronics) are still a major part of the business, it is our ‘first to market’ work in autonomous aviation vehicles that is catching the media headlines.”
He continued: “It is such a massive honour to be recognised by HRH King Charles, but the MBE is really for all the team that have played such a key role in our growth and success to date. They’ve believed in the dream, and it is their skills, expertise and technical knowledge that has transported us to the front of the autonomous conversation.”
David, who coined the intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) phrase that is sweeping aviation, is a passionate ambassador for UK manufacturing and in encouraging more young people into engineering.
Academia is important to him, and he has forged strong relationships with Aston, Warwick, and Coventry Universities, giving students/researchers the opportunity to explore new R&D and embed lessons from working with companies in advanced vehicles and technology into their learning.
His selfless passion for mobility has also seen him commit 100 hours+ of voluntary service to the UK Automotive Council, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, local Universities and Galgotias University in India, where he lectures international students on automated vehicles and technology.
These roles, which he has done for more than a decade, provide the small company viewpoint on the development of technologies, business support, funding, and industry regulation.
David concluded: “We are building something really exciting in the UK that positions us as a real driving force in the world of autonomous vehicles for aviation.
“As we grow through Auto-DollyTug®, Auto-Sim® (simulation software for replicating airport activity) and Auto-Cargo®(our largest vehicle yet), we are going to need more people with the right skills and talent to take us to the next level.
“That’s why it is important that we are vocal about the careers available in manufacturing and technology, showcasing the global opportunities they deliver.”
For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com or follow the company across its social channels.
🚀 Big news for autonomy in Britain.
Today’s announcement that the UK government will fast-track commercial self-driving pilots by spring 2026 is a defining moment—not just for passenger transport, but for every sector that stands to benefit from autonomous innovation.
At Aurrigo, we see this as a vital step forward in unlocking the productivity, safety and environmental benefits of autonomy across the UK—and we’re proud to be among the companies helping shape this future from the ground up.
We’ve long believed the UK can be a global leader in smart, connected and autonomous transport. This update proves that ambition is turning into action:
✈️ In aviation, we’re already demonstrating autonomy’s power to tackle real challenges. Our Auto-DollyTug® is redefining baggage handling, helping reduce emissions, optimise turnaround times and boost safety—with trials deployments around the world.
📍 Our Auto-Sim® platform is helping airports and planners simulate, optimise and validate autonomous operations before deployment—bridging today’s operations with tomorrow’s automation.
This government commitment—paired with the Automated Vehicles Act—sends a strong signal to industry: the UK is serious about future mobility, and it’s ready to support innovation through world-leading regulation, real-world pilots and collaboration.
We look forward to continuing to work with government, industry partners and our global customers to ensure the UK not only keeps pace with autonomy—but leads it.
hashtagAutonomousVehicles hashtagFutureOfTransport hashtagAurrigo hashtagSmartAirside hashtagDriverlessT
We had our Annual General Meeting today and are excited to share a positive update on our progress in 2025 across both the Autonomous and Automotive divisions.
✅ We recently signed a 3-year strategic partnership with Swissport – a major step forward with the world’s largest provider of airport ground services.
✈️ Our Auto-Cargo vehicle, developed with UPS, is set to begin testing at East Midlands Airport.
🌍 Progress continues with key global partners like Royal Schiphol Group and CVG Airport – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport airports.
🔋 Backed by a successful fundraise, we’re well-capitalised to refine and scale our autonomous solutions.
📦 The Automotive division remains resilient with a strong forward orderbook.With rising passenger volumes and a growing demand for decarbonisation, the aviation industry is leaning into autonomy — and Aurrigo is proud to be leading that charge.
Speaking of decarbonisation, our CEO, Prof. Prof. David Keene MBE
was awarded an MBE for his services in decarbonising airports.Andrew Cornish
, Chairman of Aurrigo, commented, “The Company has made good progress so far this year and we have continued to add to our blue-chip partner roster with the agreement signed with Swissport in May. As trials continue with partners around the world, understanding of what our technology is capable of and its benefits are being demonstrated to a large, engaged audience. With products capable of improving the airside operations for the world’s largest passenger baggage and cargo handlers, we look ahead with confidence.”Our continued progress is thanks to the strength of the Aurrigo team, and we were thrilled to see this recognised in the recent award of an MBE to our CEO, David Keene, in the King’s Birthday Honours for his contribution to the decarbonisation of airports. It’s a brilliant reflection of the dedication and innovation that underpins the work we are doing and its impact.”
📢 Read the full AGM statement in our Investor Portal: https://lnkd.in/dnv2mhSE