Government funds study to assess potential for autonomous airside transport at UK airports

A government-backed feasibility study is set to examine how autonomous vehicle technology could be deployed to support airside transport operations at UK airports.

image: Fusion Processing

For airside logistics, airports currently rely on multiple fleets with separate dispatch and scheduling systems, which can create inefficiencies and increase operational complexity. The study will focus on how existing fragmented vehicle operations – typically comprising cars, minibuses and buses operating independently – could be integrated into a single, coordinated system.

Led by UK-based autonomous systems developer Fusion Processing, the project forms part of the Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme. It will evaluate the operational, economic and safety case for introducing SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles – capable of operating without a driver – within airport airside environments.

The CAM Pathfinder programme – announced in the Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan – aims to grow the UK’s £3.7bn Connected and Automated Mobility (CAM) industry and is being delivered by the Department for Business and Trade, in collaboration with Innovate UK and Zenzic.

Fusion Processing’s approach centres on the concept of a unified fleet managed through a Remote Operations Control Centre (ROCC). This would enable operators to oversee different vehicle types from a single location, with the ability to monitor multiple vehicles simultaneously and intervene remotely if required. The model also incorporates demand-responsive booking, fleet optimisation and automated charging management.

The feasibility study will consider a mixed fleet reflecting current airport operations, including small vehicles for individual transfers, minibuses for crew movements and larger buses for higher-capacity transport. It will also assess commercial models such as leasing and financing alongside technical deployment.

A number of UK airports are expected to take part, with further operators invited to contribute to the study and help shape its direction. Engagement with the UK Civil Aviation Authority is also planned to address regulatory considerations associated with deploying autonomous systems within airport boundaries.

The project builds on Fusion Processing’s experience operating autonomous buses in live environments, including deployments in Cambridge, where the company has developed capabilities in fleet management, remote monitoring and passenger safety.

Initial analysis suggests that automation could offer operational benefits, including reduced staffing requirements, improved vehicle utilisation and lower maintenance costs. The study will also examine potential safety improvements, particularly in controlled environments where removing human driving factors may reduce the risk of incidents.

The findings are expected to inform how airports could adopt autonomous transport solutions in the future, as part of wider efforts to improve efficiency, reduce costs and support the transition to more integrated and sustainable ground operations.