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 European Stargate initiative, a project 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.
Max speed 25 km an hour
Capable of carrying eight passengers as well as a steward, the shuttle can travel at a maximum speed of 25 km/h. But passengers may be disappointed to learn that for the duration of the trial, the e-shuttle will only be available for airport staff, complementing the existing shuttle and bus services on the airport grounds that help them get around and fulfill their duties, airport authorities have explained in a press release.
For the autonomous vehicle to securely navigate the airport, comprehensive safety assessments needed to be carried out ahead of the trial period, and a designated route for the shuttle to follow has been identified, to ensure it does not interfere with the other operations taking place at the European facility. Covering 1.5 km in about ten minutes, the shuttle will call in at three stops where staff can get on and off.
“The shuttle bus is completely safe,” a spokesperson for Brussels Airport said, reported by Belga. “We carried out a thorough safety analysis beforehand: we mapped where the crucial points are on the site and developed a route based on that analysis.”
Cameras, sensors and zero emissions
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.
Hailed by Brussels Airport CEO, Arnaud Feist, as “a significant step forward in advancing innovative and sustainable mobility at the airport”, the shuttle highlights the hub’s intermodality and dedication to “fostering seamless collaboration between various modes of transport”, Feist said, adding that the electric shuttle “aligns with our ambition as an airport operator to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2030.”
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. Future developments could include remotely operating the vehicle, thanks to the airport’s advanced 5G network.
