Brussels Airport tests autonomous shuttle on tarmac in the context of the European Stargate project

Important step towards innovative and sustainable mobility at the airport 

On 29 November, Brussels Airport launched a pilot project to test the use of an electric, self-driving shuttle at the airport— a first for Belgium. The shuttle will operate entirely autonomously, transporting airport employees across the tarmac for a three-month trial period. This pilot project, part of the European Stargate initiative, marks a significant step forward in advancing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions at the airport. 

On 29 November, Brussels Airport initiated a three-month pilot project featuring the deployment of a fully electric, self-driving shuttle on the tarmac. 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 shuttle accommodates up to eight employees per ride and includes a steward on board to intervene if needed.  

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, marking a significant step forward in advancing innovative and sustainable mobility at the airport. Moreover, the electric shuttle 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 

For this pilot project, Brussels Airport is collaborating with Ohmio, a New Zealand-based company that develops self-driving transport solutions for complex environments, such as airports. The shuttle is equipped with advanced autonomous technology and will travel across the tarmac at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The vehicle is equipped with six cameras and sensors that continuously monitor and anticipate surrounding traffic, other road users, and any obstacles. Thanks to the airport's advanced 5G network, there is potential for the shuttle to be remotely controlled in the future. 

After the three-month test period, this project will be evaluated to assess whether autonomous mobility has a future at the airport and to identify the conditions and requirements involved. Brussels Airport will also assess the concrete benefits of self-driving transport and understand how employees perceive this mode of mobility in terms of safety, comfort, and other factors. 

About Stargate 

The self-driving shuttle test is part of the Stargate programme, an ambitious initiative chosen by the European Commission to develop and test solutions for more sustainable aviation. Brussels Airport is leading the project in collaboration with a diverse consortium of 21 partners, including three European airports and several airlines. 

More information on the Stargate programme can be found at the Stargate website and through the newsletter.