Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Aurrigo introduces autonomous vehicles to Inverness Airport

Aerospace

Aurrigo introduces autonomous vehicles to Inverness Airport

Passengers at Inverness Airport have been given the opportunity to ride in Aurrigo’s autonomous Auto-Pod from the new rail station to the airport terminal.

Above: Aurrigo’s autonomous Auto-Pod in front of Inverness Airport.
Courtesy Aurrigo

The pilot scheme involves two types of automated people movers trialed, the smaller Auto-Pod and larger Auto-Shuttle at the Inverness Airport and the University of the Highlands and Islands Inverness Campus.

The Highlands and Islands region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but its rugged terrain and dispersed population present significant transportation challenges.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

Graeme Bell, General Manager for Inverness Airport said, “We are delighted to act as one of the testing grounds for the autonomous vehicle which is being used to explore the potential of a vehicle connection for passengers travelling between the railway station and the terminal building.”

The distance from the railway station to the terminal is 1.2km, and the Auto-Pod will be covering about 750m of the journey. Currently, the alternative for passengers is to walk the whole route or take the shuttle bus for which there is a charge unless you have the Go-Hi app. This trial is to gauge public perception surrounding autonomous vehicles and will assess the feasibility of introducing an on-demand, low-cost connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) service to the region. By leveraging autonomous vehicle technology, the project aims to enhance accessibility, reduce passenger travel times, and significantly decrease CO2 emissions, contributing to Scotland's NetZero goals.

Professor David Keene, CEO of Aurrigo noted “Operating at Inverness Airport highlights the diverse environments where Aurrigo’s automated vehicles can truly make an impact.” He continued “The aviation industry as a whole offers countless opportunities for this innovative technology to enhance operations, improve safety and transform the passenger experience.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

HITRANS Director Ranald Robertson said: “HITRANS are delighted to be a partner in this project which will help improve our understanding of what passenger transport might look like in the Highlands and Islands in the future. The trial will test two different types of driverless shuttle with both operations providing a real test of what this technology can offer both at Inverness Airport and Inverness Campus.’

Project partners include the University of Glasgow, the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership, Aurrigo International plc, Stagecoach North Scotland, and Darwin Innovation Group Ltd., and is funded through Innovate UK and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles’ (CCAV) Commercialising Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) competition.

Advertisement
Roke Roke
Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

Aerospace

Skyports acquires Redbird Aero

17 April 2025

Skyports Drone Services (Skyports) has acquired Redbird Aero, Australia’s leading large cargo drone operator.

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

Aerospace

Farnborough Airport voted top FBO in Europe

17 April 2025

Farnborough Airport has today announced that it has been voted as Europe’s number one FBO (Fixed Base Operator) in the 2025 Professional Pilot PRASE Survey, marking an outstanding 18 years in the top spot.

Birmingham Airport has record year

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport has record year

17 April 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) had a record year in 2024/25 welcoming over 13 million passengers, marking a new peak for the transport hub.

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

Aerospace Security

Unifi secures Oxford Airport ground handling and security contracts

17 April 2025

Unifi has secured its first business aviation ground handling contract and its third Fixed Base Operation/FBO security contract in the UK at London Oxford Airport, marking a major expansion of its services and a new milestone in its global growth.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

Aerospace

NATS and ANSPs to drive sustainable aviation through GAIN

16 April 2025

Green Aviation Insights (GAIN), a novel tool developed by NATS in collaboration with leading Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) – CAAM, skeyes and AZANS officially launches today.

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

Aerospace

Southend Airport wins Best Route Development & Marketing award at Routes Europe 2025

15 April 2025

Southend Airport has won the award for Best Route Development & Marketing in the airports under five million passengers category at this year’s Routes Europe Awards in Seville, Spain.

Advertisement
ODU RT