Brussels Airport is set to launch a self-driving, electric shuttle bus as part of its sustainability initiatives, with the trial scheduled to run for three months. This project aims to explore the functionality of autonomous vehicles within the airport environment, striving towards greener transportation solutions.
The self-driving shuttle will transport airport staff along a specified fixed route, and during this initial trial phase, it will not operate entirely autonomously. An accompanying steward will be present on board for each journey to ensure safety and intervene if necessary. The shuttle will accommodate a maximum of eight employees at a time, enhancing its convenience while operating alongside existing bus and shuttle services within the airport premises.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company, commented on the significance of this initiative, saying, "As an intermodal hub, Brussels Airport is dedicated to fostering efficient 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.”
Operational details concerning the shuttle have been clarified by a spokesperson from Brussels Airport. The autonomous vehicle is specifically designed for airport staff working on the tarmac, with a thoughtfully chosen three-stop trajectory that is intended to reflect a realistic setting while managing traffic complexities. The shuttle will operate at a top speed of 25 km/h, covering a distance of 1.5 km in approximately ten minutes, although it may not consistently travel at this maximum speed during its journeys.
Equipped with six cameras and sensors, the shuttle will monitor its surroundings to avoid potential collisions and navigate effectively. Furthermore, with the airport boasting robust 5G Wi-Fi infrastructure, there exists the potential for remote control operation of the shuttle in the future.
Upon completion of the trial phase, Brussels Airport will assess the viability of autonomous transport, evaluating not only the benefits of such a system but also gathering employee feedback on safety and comfort levels.
This project is part of the broader European Stargate programme, which aims to test various innovative solutions to enhance sustainability in the aviation sector. The initiative encompasses a consortium involving 22 European airports, airlines, and other key stakeholders, with both co-funding and backing from the European Commission.
As the transport sector increasingly seeks sustainable enhancements, the introduction of the electric shuttle at Brussels Airport marks a progressive step towards exploring the future of mobility in aviation.
Source: Noah Wire Services