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British Airways intends to utilize automated baggage tugs at Gatwick Airport as a strategy to combat the shortage of personnel within the aviation sector.
According to The Telegraph, the parent company of British Airways – the International Consolidated Airlines Group – may test out a self-driving baggage robot at Gatwick Airport in May.
If the attempt is a success, the machines, which may have unloading arms, could enhance the effectiveness and speed of baggage retrieval at airports.
In July of last year, concerns about potential strikes among ground handling employees at Gatwick Airport during one of the busiest weekends were alleviated when companies offered better pay to their workers. However, there are still ongoing issues with understaffing.
According to Steve McGowan, the senior vice president for Airport Futures at IAG, the baggage tugs significantly reduce the need for labor and equipment for baggage handling, by 90 percent.
McGowan informed The Telegraph that IAG is investigating original methods to assist their airlines in ensuring efficient and timely operations.
“We have partnered with Aurrigo to conduct a trial implementing self-driving baggage carts, in order to assist the hardworking baggage staff at our affiliated airlines and ground handling collaborators.”
The Aurrigo machines, which range in price from £100,000 to £250,000, have undergone testing at Changi Airport in Singapore since 2020. They were previously tested on a part-time basis at Heathrow Airport by British Airways.
Aurrigo’s technology equips robots with a digital model of an airport’s layout, allowing them to become familiar with and avoid potential obstacles as they efficiently transport baggage from terminals to aircraft.
The chief executive of Aurrigo, Professor David Keene, expressed that lengthy waiting periods and lost luggage greatly impact the satisfaction of customers.
He said: “Airlines aim to maintain a consistent level of high standards for their customers. However, there are instances where the airport and the plane may be exceptional, but the baggage retrieval process becomes unpredictable.”
Source: independent.co.uk
