A recent report conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI) examined the opportunities for autonomous vehicles at airports.
The Autonomous Vehicles and Systems at Airports Report studies the first airports to test autonomous vehicles and integrate the technology. The airports’ experiences are used to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of these vehicles on aviation in the medium- and long-term.
“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.”
The findings will prompt airport operators to become testing grounds for autonomous vehicle trials and to learn the benefits of early technology adoption, ACI hopes.
ACI and International Air Transport Association have joined together to form the New Experience Travel Technologies initiative. Two of the technologies under consideration are autonomous vehicles and systems.
The initiative uses technology to increase airport efficiency and personalize the passenger experience.
The report was released Monday at an ACI Airport Exchange event in Abu Dhabi.