The autonomous vehicle specialist will operate its passenger and baggage vehicles together in the same environment from the start of next year
Specialist autonomous vehicle manufacturer Aurrigo, which focuses on airside vehicle systems, has signed a deal with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TCVA) which will see the company collaborate with Teesside International Airport to develop an autonomous baggage and passenger moving system, with the aim of improving operational efficiencies, reduce its carbon footprint and providing an improved passenger experience.
Starting in mid-October, the company’s eight-seat Auto-Shuttle will begin the project, and be used to transport passengers directly from the aircraft steps to the terminal building. In early January 2026, Aurrigo will follow this by introducing its Auto-DollyTug driverless vehicle designed to move cargo and baggage; initially, the baggage handling technology will be tested ‘landside’ at the new Connected Autonomous Mobility Test Centre on the airport campus, before moving airside early next year.
“We are really excited to bring our autonomous technology to the North East,” commented CEO of Aurrigo International David Keene. “Our Auto-Shuttle and Auto-DollyTugs are being deployed all across the world, but this will be the first time that we have integrated them together at a live airport. It’s a real sign of intent from Teesside International Airport and the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
“There is no escaping the fact that the aviation world is accelerating its desire to reduce its environmental impact in line with Net Zero guidelines. Our driverless vehicles present a real-world ‘ready’ opportunity to not only take significant amount of carbon out of operations but also boost the speed and efficiency in which you can move passengers and bags airside in the process.”
Airport Managing Director Phil Forster added: “It’s an absolute pleasure to see Teesside Airport hosting more world-leading technology and chalking up another UK – and global – first. To have this technology in place early next year will mean bags will travel from check-in to plane even more seamlessly, and in an even greener way.
“It will also help us shape how we move passengers around Teesside in the future – and will likely have an impact on the whole aviation industry. We were first in the UK to install new security scanners to allow passengers to keep liquids and electronics in bags, and now we’re leading the world in driverless cargo and bag systems with Aurrigo.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Teesside is turning heads once again and showing the world how it’s done. This is another massive first for our airport, our region, and our people – proving once again that where Teesside leads, the world follows.
“Being first matters. It means jobs, investment, and putting us firmly on the global map for cutting-edge innovation. These vehicles arriving in just a couple of months’ time are a huge boost – and I’m excited to see them serving holidaymakers on our year-round flights in the New Year.”
“We’ve never integrated Auto-DollyTug and Auto-Shuttle together airside, so Teesside will be delivering a global first,” added David. “The latter is a fantastic way of moving passengers or ground staff over short distances on agreed routes. There is no need for a driver, freeing up members of the team for other activities, and it is completely electric.”
