ACI report explores the growing use of autonomous vehicles at airports
New publication will help airports plan and benefit from the rise of the machines
Abu Dhabi, 25 November 2019 – Airports Council International (ACI) World has today launched The Autonomous Vehicles and Systems at Airports Report, to help airports assess key opportunities for the application of autonomous vehicles at airports.
The report was launched today at the ACI Airport Exchange event in Abu Dhabi.
Several airports around the world have already facilitated testing of autonomous machines and vehicles in their operations.
The report brings together information from these first attempts at integrating this new technology and uses it to gain a better understanding of the likely impact on aviation in the medium to long term.
ACI expects the report will prompt airport operators to engage with autonomous machine and vehicle manufacturers to see if they can benefit from early adoption of this technology and become fertile testing grounds for trials.
“It is becoming clear that autonomous vehicles do have a role to play at airports, but adoption of this new technology is at a very early stage,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said. “It is therefore critical in this stage of the technology’s lifecycle for the aviation industry to identify key opportunities and concerns as it relates to autonomous machines at airports.”
Autonomous vehicles and systems are a key technology being considered under the joint ACI and International Air Transport Association (IATA) New Experience Travel Technologies (NEXTT) initiative.
NEXTT is creating a common vision for the future of air transport, using technology to increase airport efficiency and provide another level of personalization to the passenger experience.
Notes for editors
- Airports Council International (ACI), the trade association of the world’s airports, was founded in 1991 with the objective of fostering cooperation among its member airports and other partners in world aviation, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the Civil Air Navigation Services Organization. In representing the best interests of airports during key phases of policy development, ACI makes a significant contribution toward ensuring a global air transport system that is safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable. As of January 2019, ACI serves 646 members, operating 1,960 airports in 176 countries.
- Find more information on the NEXTT programme.
- Find more information on the Autonomous Vehicles and Systems at Airports Report.
Media contacts
Bojana Jeremic
Manager, External Relations and Special Events
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1254
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero
Sabrina Guerrieri
Manager, Communications
ACI World
Telephone: +1 514 373 1200
Email: mediarelations@aci.aero