Aurrigo International has been granted a license to provide ground handling services at East Midlands Airport to support the deployment of its autonomous aviation technologies.
The UK-based company said the license will enable it to work directly with airport teams and partners during the rollout and implementation of its autonomous ground service equipment (GSE).
The approval allows Aurrigo to operate within the airport’s ground handling framework while providing on-site support during the introduction of its autonomous systems.
David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo International, said, “Securing this license is another important step in our partnership with East Midlands Airport. We have deliberately sought this approval to make sure we can support our partners as closely as possible, operating fully within the airport’s ground handling framework.
“This means we can be on the ground, providing one-to-one support during the rollout of our autonomous solutions, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated, compliant and successful from the outset.”
According to Aurrigo, the licence will support the introduction of its automated baggage and cargo handling technologies and other autonomous ground systems at the airport.
Lauren Turner, head of airfield operations at East Midlands Airport, said, “We’re pleased to be working with Aurrigo on this innovative technology that could revolutionize the way goods and crews are moved around the airport. As the UK’s number-one hub for dedicated air cargo, we’re always looking at ways to work smarter and ensure the operation is safe, efficient and fit for the future.”
The license has been issued under the Airports (Ground Handling) Regulations 1997 and aligns with the compliance framework overseen by the UK Civil Aviation Authority under the Civil Aviation Act 2012.
Aurrigo said it plans to pursue additional ground handling licenses at other airports where it is deploying its autonomous systems, with the aim of supporting wider adoption of automation in aviation operations.
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