Aurrigo secures ground handling licence at East Midlands Airport

Aurrigo International plc has secured a licence to provide ground handling services at East Midlands Airport in the United Kingdom, a move aimed at supporting the deployment of its autonomous aviation technologies at the cargo hub.

The Coventry-based developer of autonomy software and autonomous vehicles said the approval enables it to work directly with airport teams during the rollout of its automated ground support equipment. The licence allows Aurrigo to provide agreed ground handling services at East Midlands Airport while supporting the implementation of its autonomous systems designed for cargo and baggage operations.

The company obtained the licence to assist partners involved in deploying its automated solutions at the airport. By operating within the airport’s ground handling framework, Aurrigo will be able to work alongside airport staff and provide direct operational support during the introduction of its technologies.

Aurrigo said this arrangement will allow it to support the deployment and integration of its autonomous ground service equipment at East Midlands Airport while ensuring compliance with existing operational requirements.

David Keene, Chief Executive Officer at Aurrigo, said: “Securing this licence is another important step in our partnership with East Midlands Airport. We have deliberately sought this approval to make sure we can support our partners as closely as possible, operating fully within the airport’s ground handling framework. This means we can be on the ground, providing one-to-one support during the roll-out of our autonomous solutions, ensuring they are seamlessly integrated, compliant, and successful from the outset. We look forward to working alongside EMA and our partners to help shape the future of airside automation in the UK and beyond.”

East Midlands Airport, which handles dedicated air cargo traffic in the United Kingdom, has been exploring automation initiatives as part of its operational strategy. Airport officials said collaboration with technology providers such as Aurrigo could support changes in the way cargo and crew movements are managed on the airside.

Lauren Turner, Head of Airfield Operations at East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Aurrigo on this innovative technology that could revolutionise the way that goods and crews are moved around the airport. As the UK’s number one hub for dedicated air cargo, we’re always looking at ways to work smarter and ensure the operation is safe, efficient and fit for the future.”

The licence has been issued under the Airports (Ground Handling) Regulations 1997 and aligns with the Civil Aviation Authority’s compliance framework established under the Civil Aviation Act 2012. The approval authorises Aurrigo to deliver agreed ground handling services at the airport and formalises its operational role during the rollout of its automated systems.

The company said it plans to seek similar ground handling licences at other locations where its automated baggage and cargo handling technologies are being deployed. The approach is intended to support customer operations and speed up the implementation of automated airport logistics systems.

Aurrigo develops autonomy software, autonomous vehicles and robotics platforms designed for aviation environments. Its automated ground support equipment is intended to move cargo, baggage and passengers between terminals, baggage halls and aircraft positions.

The company said the technology is designed for operations that currently rely on manual processes, with the aim of supporting airport operations as passenger volumes grow and labour availability changes.

Headquartered in Coventry, Aurrigo has offices in Singapore, Cincinnati and Ottawa and has a history of supplying automotive vehicle manufacturers with vehicle and system technologies. The company said its autonomy software is designed for use in safety- and security-critical environments such as airport airside operations.