LONDON, 4th SEP, 2025 – SOME of the biggest names in the world of aviation have joined forces to explore how embracing the connected and automated technology solutions of tomorrow could transform the civil aviation industry in the UK and beyond.

International Airports Group (IAG), Heathrow Airport, Aer Lingus, and Fusion Processing are among the founding members of the Airside Automation Group, a new group launched today at Cenex Expo 2025 to foster greater collaboration between ​the UK’s civil aviation and connected and automated mobility (CAM) industries.

The UK is fast becoming recognised as a world-leader in the development and deployment of CAM solutions for the aviation sector, with industry pioneers such as Aurrigo and Oxa already deploying vehicles and technology in airports globally.

Aurrigo, headquartered in Coventry, recently trialled a fleet of its automated baggage handling vehicles at Singapore’s Changi Airport and has seen its Auto-Dolly Tug and Auto-Sim solutions recommended to a network of 60 airports following a successful trial at Amsterdam’s Schipol Airport.

University of Oxford spin-out Oxa is another success story. Working with global logistics giant DHL, the company is actively exploring how embracing autonomous vehicles can help improve airport logistics and efficiency for airports the world-over, with trials of its technology solutions currently underway at Heathrow Airport.
Fusin Processing are another UK based technology company that are leading the way in the rollout of CAM technologies in airports. Through their partnership with Construct Invest, Fusion Processing are applying years of experience developing autonomous technologies for passenger transit, to deploy airport bus services.

The Airside Automation Group has been set up to help create and promote further success stories, by bringing together organisations from across an array of sectors to further promote the many benefits of embracing CAM solutions and provide a compelling investment proposition for the UK. ​

It also aims to showcase opportunities and anticipate risks in making the UK an attractive place for research, development and deployment of CAM technologies in the civil aviation industry, as well as supporting the development of more resilient, competitive supply chains to help unlock further innovation across the industry.

Andrew Cornish, Non-Executive Chair at Aurrigo, said: “I am proud to Chair the newly established Airside Automation Group and to see Aurrigo among its founding members. For more than a decade, we have been pioneering autonomous aviation solutions made in Coventry and deployed in airports from Singapore to Amsterdam and Cincinnati. That global experience gives us a unique opportunity to bring real-world insights back into this UK-led collaboration.

“The group provides a vital platform for industry and innovators to come together, share learning, and accelerate the development of the next generation of connected and automated solutions. By working collectively, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this global transformation, delivering world-class technology, stronger supply chains, and long-term economic growth.”

The Airside Automation Group has been set up by Zenzic – an organisation set up by industry and the UK Government to champion and grow the nation’s CAM sector – and was announced today at Cenex Expo 2025, an annual conference bringing together delegates from across the UK innovation community to showcase and champion UK plc.

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said: “The CAM sector contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy annually and with the Government harbouring ambitions to increase this to over £42billion by 2035, we see further growth in the aviation market as being key to realising this potential.

“British businesses are already developing world-leading solutions which are being exported and deployed across the globe and the establishing of the Airside Automation Group will help us to further build on this success, by increasing collaboration, amplifying the fantastic work coming out of the group and supporting the aviation industry as it aims to understand how CAM can help meet upcoming challenges and grasp lucrative growth opportunities.​”

The organisations making up the Airside Automation Group are Aer Lingus, Equinix, The Civil Aviation Authority, Heathrow Airport, International Airports Group, Aurrigo plc, Oxa, Fusion Processing, Highlands and Islands Airports, Menzies, Swissport, UPS and Zenzic.

For more information on the Airside Automation Group, visit: here.

One of the UK’s leading autonomous technology specialists has secured more than £1m of grants to accelerate sustainable airport and transport innovations.

Aurrigo International plc, which employs over 110 people at its advanced engineering centre in Coventry, has secured support from The Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder – Enhancements programme and Innovate UK’s Launchpad programme to start work on four exciting new projects.

The Pathfinder programme is funded by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV), a joint unit between the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Transport (DfT), delivered in partnership with Innovate UK and Zenzic. Launching this summer, the groundbreaking Aurrigo work spans simulation, feasibility studies and real-world vehicles trials at East Midlands Airport, in The Orkney Islands and closer to home in the West Midlands. They also involve close collaboration with leading industry partners, International Airlines Group (IAG), Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRAINS) and Urban Foresight.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “These awards reflect our commitment to building the next generation of intelligent, sustainable, and scalable transport systems that operate in both urban and airside operations. “From immersive VR for airside training to real-world AV deployments and rural mobility innovation, we’re proud to be working with exceptional partners across the UK to bring transformative change to both aviation and ground transport.” He continued: “This funding helps us to accelerate and, importantly, prove technologies in the real world, speeding up adoption and ensuring the UK continues to lead the world when it comes to autonomous vehicle deployment.”

Mark Cracknell, Programme Director at Zenzic, said: “We are delighted with the exciting projects selected through the CAM Pathfinder Feasibility Studies and Enhancements funding competitions. “Aurrigo is a fantastic example of the calibre of company leading the way for the UK CAM sector and we’re very excited to share the news of their project successes. “The deployment of Connected and Automated Mobility solutions has incredible potential to improve commercial and public transport, while potentially providing a huge boost to the UK economy. He went on to add: “These four projects will provide an opportunity to demonstrate the commercial readiness of the technology while also providing valuable insight into future opportunities and use.”

The four projects in detail:

1. Ramp Ready: The Future of Airport Logistics

Competition: CCAV – CAM Pathfinders Enhancements
Duration: 9 months
Project Cost: £695,145

This large-scale project will extend the work of the ongoing ‘Autonomous Cargo’ programme by deploying two Auto-Cargo^® autonomous units and one Auto-Shuttle^® Mk2 e-Transit vehicle at East Midlands Airport. The objective is to refine a multi-vehicle fleet framework for airside logistics – enabling simultaneous cargo and aircrew transport.

Innovations include improved environmental testing, expanded simulation capabilities, and modular, low-volume manufacturing to reduce costs and accelerate scalability. The project supports the commercial readiness of both cargo and passenger autonomous vehicles while generating critical operational data for ongoing development.

2.Runway to Autonomy: Removing No User in Charge Obstacles for Autonomous Baggage Handling Vehicles

Competition: CCAV – CAM Pathfinder 1 – Feasibility Studies
Duration: 9 months
Project Cost: £99,425

This feasibility study aims to unlock full autonomy for Aurrigo International’s baggage handling vehicles by developing a framework to remove the onboard safety operator – paving the way for “No User in Charge” (NUIC) operations.

In collaboration with IAG, the project will define the safety, regulatory, cybersecurity and operational standards required to enable driverless deployment at airports. Key outputs will include recommendations for system failure protocols, certification pathways, cybersecurity standards, and human-machine interaction models, providing airport operators with the confidence to adopt fully autonomous baggage handling vehicles.

3. Kirkwall AutoLink Outline Business Case (OBC) 

Competition: CCAV – CAM Pathfinder 1 – Feasibility Studies
Duration: 9 months
Partner Costs: £133,812.

Kirkwall AutoLink explores the feasibility of deploying a connected and autonomous, zero-emission shuttle service between Kirkwall Harbour and Kirkwall Airport in Orkney.

Led by Urban Foresight, with support from HITRANS and Aurrigo International, this rural mobility initiative will assess technical viability, regulatory requirements, commercial models, and local acceptance of operating a No User in Charge (NUIC) shuttle in a remote island context.

With over 90% of airport passengers currently relying on private cars, the study aims to support decarbonisation and integrated transport strategies through a scalable, community-led approach.

A comprehensive Outline Business Case (OBC) will inform the potential for a future demonstration deployment.

4. Visualising Airside Baggage Operation (VABO)

Competition: Launchpad: Immersive & Creative Industries, Coventry & Warwickshire Round 2
Duration: 12 months
Project Cost: £98,642

This project will enhance Aurrigo International’s Auto-Sim platform by integrating immersive Virtual Reality (VR) technology into baggage handling simulations. Developed using the Unity game engine, VABO will allow customers to train staff and plan operations within detailed 3D airport environments that include weather dynamics, realistic lighting, aircraft, and ground support equipment.

The VR layer will introduce real-time interaction, data visualisation, and instant performance feedback, building a powerful and scalable training tool for the adoption of electric and autonomous ground support systems globally.

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

*Sneak Peek of Auto-Shuttle for KNBA_Vehicle Mock Up (no sensors) *

Aurrigo International plc, a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology, is expanding its vehicle line-up into North America with the deployment of its nine-seater passenger Auto-Shuttle^® in Kanata, marking the start of Canada’s first all-season, medium-speed autonomous shuttle on public roads.

The project, delivered with the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) and in collaboration with Area X.O operated by Invest Ottawa, and several project partners each contributing unique expertise, will connect eight designated stops across Kanata North Technology Park, Canada’s largest tech park. The 4.5 km route has been strategically designed to link businesses, restaurants, community spaces, and public transit, providing safe and accessible mobility for workers, residents, and visitors.

The winter-ready, Level 4 electric and autonomous shuttle has been engineered to operate in challenging Canadian conditions, including snow, ice, rain, wind, and falling leaves. Following a period of rigorous testing at Area X.O, Canada’s all-weather R&D complex for next-gen technologies, the vehicle will begin service on public roads, operating in mixed traffic at medium speeds.

David Keene MBE, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “We have been working with Kanata North Business Association for over six years on how we can effectively bring autonomous vehicles to the streets of Canada.

“This important project accelerates this vision, and we believe we have the real-world technology in place in Auto-Shuttle^® that will prove that driverless vehicles can operate safely and effectively in all weather conditions. In my opinion, this could be the testbed that unlocks further AV developments in North America and across the rest of the globe.”

“This real-world Canadian testing environment will provide valuable insights into supporting the advancement of Aurrigo’s autonomous airport shuttle solutions, which require reliable performance across diverse weather and operational conditions.

Lessons learned from Ottawa’s four-season shuttle trial will directly inform the refinement and deployment of Aurrigo’s vehicles in airport settings worldwide, where safety, inclusivity, and adaptability to complex environments are critical.

In addition to providing a practical transit solution, the trial will deliver key insights into:

• Electric and autonomous vehicle performance in real-world four-season Canadian conditions
• Development of a municipal safety framework for autonomous vehicles
• Inclusive design features, including Deaf.AI’s ASL avatar and visual communication system for Deaf and hard-of-hearing riders
• Policy recommendations to guide future AV regulations.

The initiative builds on earlier low-speed autonomous pod and shuttle trials conducted in Ottawa in 2019 and 2021, now advancing to a modified commercial vehicle with increased speed, capacity, and operational range. By combining cutting-edge technology, inclusive design, and urban planning foresight, this project aims to set a national benchmark for smart, safe, and sustainable autonomous transit services in Canada.

“Kanata North is home to Canada’s largest technology park and more than 540 companies shaping the future of mobility, connectivity, and innovation,” said Kelly Daize, Executive Director of the Kanata North Business Association.This project is building on our previous autonomous vehicle’s trials, utilizing a commercial motor vehicle, initially in the secure testbed at Area X.O and then moving on public roads in the Kanata North Tech Park in Ottawa.  It is not only a historic first for Canada—it’s a powerful example of how industry, government, and community can come together to test real-world solutions that improve accessibility, advance safety, and create a blueprint for the future of transportation in all seasons.”

“Invest Ottawa is honoured to collaborate on this landmark project in our world-class, dual-use innovation hub,” said Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa. “At Area X.O, our state-of-the-art all-weather R&D complex, founders, companies, regulators, and their partners can rigorously test, validate, and deploy next-generation technologies in all four seasons. This accelerates safe, market-ready innovations that deliver lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for our citizens, our community, and our country.”

If you would like to learn more about Aurrigo’s autonomous technology please join us for an in person roundtable at International GSE Expo, register directly to thouston@aurrigo.com or here on the event site.

 

Are you headed to the International GSE Expo next month? If so, register to join our roundtable/panel of industry experts at the close of day one of the show! Details below…

Head out of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority – LVCVA next door to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino for an exciting roundtable packed with insights into how airports, airlines, handlers, and tech are revolutionizing the industry. Discover the latest advancements in technology and how these key players are embracing autonomy on the ramp. This industry-lead conversation on the goals, challenges, and real-world implementation of autonomous ground support equipment will bring diverse perspectives from across the ramp:
Brian Cobb, Chief Innovation Officer, CVG Airport – Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Harvey Tate, Head of Airport Innovation, International Airlines Group (IAG)
Mike Byrom, Chief Operating Officer, Swissport – North America
Miles Garner, Chief Commercial Officer, Aurrigo
Moderator/Host: Tenille Houston, VP Public Relations & Communications, Aurrigo

🗓️September 16th ⏱️ 4:30pm-6pm

Seats are limited so register quickly for free here 👉
https://lnkd.in/ee9Dvs6P
or email me direct at thouston@aurrigo.com with any questions.