Brussels Airport is trialling a Belgian first – a new self-driving, electric shuttle that will provide greener transport for airport employees over the next three months.
The pilot project is part of the Stargate project, an ambitious initiative chosen by the European Commission to develop and test solutions for more sustainable aviation. Brussels Airport is leading the endeavour, in collaboration with a diverse consortium of 21 partners, including three other European airports and several airlines.
"As an intermodal hub, Brussels Airport is dedicated to fostering seamless collaboration between various modes of transport. This pilot project aligns seamlessly with that strategy. The electric shuttle also aligns with our ambition as an airport operator to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2030," said Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport.
Cameras and sensors monitor traffic
Capable of carrying eight passengers as well as a steward, the shuttle can travel at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. New Zealand’s Ohmio, a specialist in self-driving solutions for complex environments, is partnering with the project, which has seen the shuttle equipped with advanced autonomous technology, including six cameras and sensors that continuously monitor surrounding traffic, other road users, and any obstacles.
During the test phase, the shuttle will exclusively transport airport staff, complementing the existing shuttle and bus services on the airport grounds. Following a comprehensive safety assessment, a designated route has been defined for the shuttle to ensure the safe operation of the vehicle alongside other airport activities.
The success of the trial will be measured on a number of performance criteria, including employee perception of the mobility option “in terms of safety, comfort, and other factors,” the airport said.
The self-driving shuttle is one of more than 30 projects that are being undertaken by the Stargate initiative. Running now for three years, other initiatives successfully implemented include the:
- electrification of ground-handling equipment
- testing of hydrogen technology
- development of bike and alternative mobility infrastructure and solutions to get to and from the airport
- optimisation of digital solutions for cargo operations and planning
Check out the project website for more details.
MORE INFORMATION
- Reference
- SOCIETAL CHALLENGES - Smart, Green And Integrated Transport
- Project duration
- 1 Nov 2021 - 31 Oct 2026
- Project locations
- BelgiumFranceGreeceHungaryIrelandLuxembourgNetherlandsUnited Kingdom
- Overall budget
- €33 024 252
- EU contribution
- €24 816 11675.1% of the overall budget
- Project website
- STARGATE project website
- Departments
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency