Brussels Airport Tests Autonomous Shuttle for Employee Transport on Tarmac

On November 29, Brussels Airport launched a three-month pilot project to test the use of an electric, self-driving shuttle on the airport’s tarmac. This initiative marks the first deployment of autonomous vehicles in Belgium at the airport, part of the European Stargate project aimed at advancing innovative mobility solutions.

Autonomous Shuttle for Employee Transport

During the test phase, the autonomous shuttle will transport airport employees across the tarmac, complementing the existing shuttle and bus services. The vehicle will follow a designated route, carefully assessed for safety, to ensure smooth operation alongside other airport activities. The shuttle can accommodate up to eight passengers per ride and will be monitored by a steward on board to intervene if necessary.

Commitment to Sustainable Mobility

The introduction of this self-driving shuttle is in line with Brussels Airport's commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving zero CO2 emissions by 2030. CEO Arnaud Feist highlighted the importance of this pilot project in advancing innovative, sustainable mobility solutions. "This project aligns seamlessly with our strategy as an intermodal hub and demonstrates our ambition to lead in sustainable airport operations," he said.

Advanced Technology and Monitoring

Brussels Airport is collaborating with Ohmio, a New Zealand-based company specializing in self-driving transport solutions. The shuttle is equipped with advanced autonomous technology, including six cameras and sensors to monitor surrounding traffic, obstacles, and other road users. The vehicle is capable of traveling at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Thanks to the airport's advanced 5G network, the shuttle could potentially be controlled remotely in the future.

Future Evaluation of the Pilot

At the end of the three-month pilot, Brussels Airport will evaluate the project’s success, considering the feasibility of autonomous mobility at the airport. The evaluation will also explore the benefits of self-driving transport, as well as employee feedback on the shuttle’s safety, comfort, and efficiency.

This pilot marks a significant step toward making Brussels Airport a leader in sustainable, innovative transportation solutions.