Aurrigo International lines up further growth after “potentially transformational moment”

6 Jan 2025, 07:58

Coventry-based autonomous vehicle technology firm Aurrigo International – which works with airports across the globe – is upbeat after a “strong trading year” and fundraising which it described as a “potentially transformational moment”.

Aurrigo’s technology is in deployment in six airports across the world, with the company in early-stage conversations with another 34 airports and 19 airlines

“A strong trading year was complemented even further with a share placing raise of £5.25m to finish 2024 – a potentially transformational moment for our business,” said chief executive David Keene. “The new investment will give us the cash injection required to scale-up production of our Auto-DollyTug, an all-electric autonomous vehicle designed to transform baggage and cargo handling operations at airports through improved safety, operational efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.”

Chief executive David Keene (image credit: Aurrigo International)

The cash injection will allow the platform to have 22 tugs in operation in 2025, potentially accelerate commercial sales timelines and enable the ‘go live’ moment with Auto-Cargo in partnership with UPS.

Keene said there will also be six live Auto-Sim contracts at international airports in the same period, which will “help new and existing clients build digital twins of activity so they can optimise performance”.

He added that Coventry “will continue to be the epicentre of advanced design and manufacture”. with the group expecting to “bolster the team here and in some of our international locations in the US, Canada and Singapore”.

“After 40 years of very few ground handling innovations, the aviation sector now appears to be ready for something new and we are already proving – airside – that our Auto-DollyTug vehicle and our Auto-Sim software can deliver cost savings, environmental improvements and a better passenger experience,” said Keene. “We fully expect airlines and airports to accelerate their determination to embrace what we are calling the move to ‘intelligent ground support equipment’ (iGSE)”.

The Auto-DollyTug (image credit: Aurrigo International)

Aurrigo International plc seals £5.25m share placing raise as it drives iGSE concept adoption

One of the world’s leading providers of smart airside solutions has capped a year of growth with a £5.25m share placing raise.  Aurrigo International plc, which has expanded deployments into multiple new countries, opened a US office, and sealed a second-phase deal with Changi International in the last twelve months will use the cash injection to scale production of its Auto-DollyTug®—all-electric autonomous baggage and cargo vehicles.

The investment will provide the platform to have 22 tugs in operation in 2025 and the ‘go live’ moment with Auto-Cargo®in partnership with UPS. There will also be four live Auto-Sim® contracts at international airports in the same period, which will help organisations build digital twins of activity so they can optimise performance.

David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, commented: “This is a fantastic raise to finish the year and gives us the perfect platform to roll-out our iGSE (intelligent Ground Support Equipment) concept to the aviation world.

“We have early-stage engagement with 34 airports and 19 airlines, with eight customers now agreeing to use Auto-Sim®. The investment will ensure we can scale our production capabilities and teams to meet the growing demand for technology that we are now proving in the real world.”  He continued: “Unlike a lot of companies who just talk about the impact of their tech, we are actually delivering and will now need more engineering, software, manufacturing and supply chain staff, not to mention an increase in the number of specialists in our deployment teams.”

The CEO of Aurrigo International plc urged aviation industry stakeholders to embrace innovation and drive the evolution of ground support equipment earlier this year.  Professor David Keene emphasised the necessity for ground handlers to transition into a new paradigm he has coined as ‘iGSE’ – intelligent Ground Support Equipment.  His vision 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,” continued David.  “Today’s aviation landscape demands that we step up our game. 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 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.

For more information, see www.aurrigo.com

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

Aurrigo International plc reports strong growth in autonomous division in interim trading results

A global provider of smart airside solutions has posted strong growth in its autonomous division as part of its interim results for the first six months of 2024.  Aurrigo International plc, which listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in 2022, has seen revenue rise to a total £3.9m turnover – a 26% rise in line with the expectations of the board.  This has been accelerated by the uptake of its Auto-Sim digital twin product and the deployment of it all-electric Auto-DollyTug® at five global airports, providing the blueprint for how baggage and cargo will be transported in the future.  £800,000 of revenue has been generated in the first half of the year in autonomous solutions alone (160% rise), with the promise of annual sales touching £3m by the end of December.   A better product mix, combined with an increase in orders from long-term customers, has also resulted in double-digit growth for the automotive side of the business.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International plc, commented: “We are pleased to report a period of strong growth as we scale our technology, teams and customer engagements. The growth in our autonomous division reflects the steady scaleup of our smart airside solutions in key airport hubs around the world, which is driving increased interest across our target aviation market and a growing pipeline.  “During the period, we have expanded our international teams, enhanced our hardware and software offering, and advanced our engagement with key strategic partners, providing a robust foundation for growth.”

An enhanced autonomous solution offering following vehicle functionality advancements has been one of the key operational highlights of 2024 for Aurrigo so far, with the incorporation of robotic arms on the body allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself.  The successful deployment of Auto-DollyTug® airside has accelerated customer interest and led to the signing of three strategic partnership deals that gives the business access to a network of over 460 airports.  Alongside these developments, the company has invested heavily in scaling up its UK team at its Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry, bolstering its operation in Singapore and opening a new office in the US at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

David concluded: “We enter the second half of 2024 with good momentum, improving margins and a clear pipeline of deliverables, giving us confidence in our growth opportunity to help deliver the airport of the future.”

For further information, please visit www.aurrigo.com

Aurrigo International plc Commences Autonomous Baggage Handling Programme with IAG

Aurrigo International plc Commences Autonomous Baggage Handling Programme with International Airlines Group (IAG) at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG)

Aurrigo announces first deployment of its autonomous aviation vehicle, Auto-DollyTug®, in the USA with International Airlines Group

Coventry, United Kingdom, January 18th, 2024: Aurrigo International plc (Aurrigo) has commenced its programme with International Airlines Group (IAG), the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) for the deployment and demonstration of its autonomous baggage tractor, Auto-DollyTug®. 

(Photo: David Keene, CEO, Aurrigo; Candace McGraw, CEO, CVG; Greg Paton, VP-Below Wing Automation, IAG)

To mark the start of the partnership, the parties gathered at CVG, a leading airport in autonomous technology.

“This partnership is an important milestone for us as it will be our first aviation operation in the USA – a key target market. This year we will have our autonomous vehicles operating at airports in the UK, Europe, Asia and now the US, showing the clear demand there is in the aviation sector for our technology” said Aurrigo CEO, Professor David Keene. Prof. Keene continued “We’re pleased to be partnering with IAG beyond the UK and to be building a presence at a key international airport. We are demonstrating vehicles that are designed from the ground up to be electric and autonomous to provide substantial efficiency improvements in future ground handling operations.”

“As one of the fastest-growing passenger and cargo hubs in the US and globally, CVG is always looking for innovative technologies to improve capacity and efficiency,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “We look forward to working with Aurrigo and IAG to identify potential solutions to help address many of the issues that aviation currently faces: staffing shortages, safety, capacity and environmental concerns, among others.”

(Photo: Nick Ridler, Aurrigo; Hannah Meredith, CVG; Naashom Marx, CVG; Greg Paton, IAG; Dave Keene, Aurrigo; Candace McGraw, CVG; Brian Cobb, CVG; Dana Borschewski, Aurrigo; Lewis Girdwood, Aurrigo)

The meeting today marks the project kick off for an initial deployment of one Auto-DollyTug® scheduled for spring of 2024.  Ground-breaking technology such as this, brings collaboration across public and private sector, from the airport, airline and ground handlers integrating the technology to the region that it will benefit.

“As the Birthplace of Aviation, Ohioans are quick to welcome new technologies that improve air travel,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The world is better connected to Greater Cincinnati than ever before, and Aurrigo’s decision to test their first autonomous baggage dollies in the United States at CVG will advance the airport’s efficiencies and strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.”

“Aurrigo’s decision to bring its autonomous baggage vehicles to the United States for the first time demonstrates the valuable partnerships developed since British Airways launched round-trip service from Cincinnati to London last year,” said Jobs Ohio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. “This new route, assisted through the JobsOhio Air Service Restoration Program and REDI Cincinnati, is attracting Aurrigo’s innovative products and services that will enhance CVG passengers’ travel experience.”

On successful completion of the demonstration through 2024, Aurrigo expects that this will lead to the expansion of additional vehicles throughout 2025.

Auto-Sim® is Aurrigo’s latest software that creates a 3D digital twin to visualize today’s operations and model the impact of new technologies such as electric and or autonomous vehicles.

Auto-DollyTug® is an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor, with the ULD (Unit Load device) carrying capability of an airport dolly all in one, making a more flexible and space efficient vehicle. This means that a combination of an Auto-DollyTug® towing three trailers carry four ULDs, which is 30% more than a traditional tug set-up of the same overall length. Auto-DollyTug® incorporates robotic arms on the body, allowing the vehicle to autonomously load and unload a ULD itself, for a truly end-to-end autonomous operation.

ENDS

Enquiries:

Aurrigo International plc                                                          via media@aurrigo.com 

Full media assets and Aurrigo’s vehicles can be found HERE

About Aurrigo 

Aurrigo is a leading international provider of transport technology solutions. Headquartered in Coventry, UK, it designs, engineers, manufactures, and supplies autonomous vehicles and OEM products to the automotive and transport industries, particularly focusing on aviation. It is highly regarded as a specialist in autonomous and semi-autonomous technology solutions for the aviation, ground handling and cargo industries. Aurrigo has developed six types of autonomous vehicles to date, which can be utilised to reduce costs, resolve operational issues, and tackle labour shortages, whilst also improving sustainability. Aurrigo has three divisions, Automotive Technology, Autonomous Technology and Aviation Technology. For more information, see www.aurrigo.com

Load More
Back To Top