Schiphol and KLM Launch Self-Driving Shuttle Service for Flight Crew Testing
Schiphol Airport and KLM have launched a trial of a self-driving shuttle service designed to transport flight crew, aiming to enhance efficiency and sustainability in airport operations.
Testing and Implementation
The initial phase of the trial focused on testing the technical features and ease of use of the self-driving shuttle. The current phase involves operating the shuttle in the more complex environment of the apron, where there is a constant flow of aircraft movements, flight handling operations, and crew transport activities.
It’s great that we’ve been able to follow up on the trial with the self-driving buses so soon. We’re curious about the insights we’ll gain at this location, particularly because punctuality and safety is crucial on this route. We’re also curious how airline crew members experience self-driving transport. This will help to build trust in the technology and potentially facilitates future integration of other self-driving vehicles.
Several times a day until the end of July, the self-driving shuttle will transport KLM Cityhopper crew from Apron A, where the aircraft are parked, to the terminal. Equipped with sensors, special cameras, and GPS, the shuttle uses LIDAR technology to navigate with a 360-degree view, allowing it to detect and maneuver around objects up to 30 meters away.
Emission-Free Ground Operations
Royal Schiphol Group aims to operate the world's most sustainable and high-quality airports by 2050. A key part of this plan is to achieve sustainable and emission-free ground operations. By 2050, Schiphol aims to replace all vehicles with a fleet of autonomous, zero-emission vehicles and automate all associated processes. Even with these advancements, human staff will remain essential, taking on supervisory roles and handling varied tasks.
This innovative trial marks a significant step towards achieving Schiphol's ambitious sustainability goals, showcasing the potential of autonomous technology to improve airport efficiency and reduce emissions.