Latest news with #PhilForster
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
World first driverless BUS to ferry holidaymakers between terminals at major UK airport is unveiled
The vehicles will complete a test run before carrying passengers HOL YES! World first driverless BUS to ferry holidaymakers between terminals at major UK airport is unveiled Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HOLIDAYMAKERS will soon get the chance to be ferried between terminals in the world's first driverless bus at a UK airport. The eight-seater auto shuttle will undergo a trial at Teeside International Airport from October. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Teesside International Airport will be the first in the world to trial driverless buses Credit: Alamy 2 The new vehicle comes complete with a sleek, futuristic look Credit: Teesside International Airport A £1 million deal between the airport and Aurrigo International Plc will see the bus ferry passengers between terminals, while an Auto-Dolly Tug - designed to ferry cargo instead of passengers - will be trialled in January. Managing Director at Teesside International Airport, Phil Forster, said the technology would make moving bags from check-in to planes seamless. But Aurrigo's Auto-Shuttle will be tested before it carries any passengers across the tarmac. It's hoped that, if successful, the new vehicles will transform the way passengers are moved around the airport. And they could be shuttling passengers to their flights as early as 2026. Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, told the BBC: "These vehicles arriving in just a couple of months' time are a huge boost and I'm excited to see them serving holidaymakers on our year-round flights in the New Year." The futuristic vehicles come to the airport after plans were announced earlier this year to invest £2 million to build a facility that would construct and test trackless trams. The Tees Valley Combined Authority hopes the facility would allow driverless vehicles to be put to work in town centres by the end of 2027. He went on to say that the tech will likely have an impact on the whole aviation industry. Aurrigo has deployed its driverless vehicles across the world before but has never trialled them at a live airport. The Sun test drives the latest driverless taxis in Phoenix Arizona The firm's test will mark a world first as the driverless buses take to the tarmac. Driverless buses have previously been used in Scotland but never deployed to an airport before. The new technology allows for operating costs to be reduced with no need to pay drivers. Driverless vehicles are still relatively new and untested technology and are yet to be rolled out nationwide.
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
World first driverless BUS to ferry holidaymakers between terminals at major UK airport is unveiled
HOLIDAYMAKERS will soon be ferried between terminals in the world's first driverless bus at a UK airport. The eight-seater auto shuttle will trial at Teeside International Airport from October. 2 A £1 million deal between the airport and Aurrigo International Plc will see the bus ferry passengers between terminals, while an Auto-Dolly Tug - designed to ferry cargo instead of passengers - will be trialled in January. Managing Director at Teesside International Airport, Phil Forster, said the technology would make moving bags from check-in to planes seamless. But Aurrigo's Auto-Shuttle will be tested before it carries any passengers across the tarmac. It's hoped that, if successful, the new vehicles will transform the way passengers are moved around the airport. And they could be shuttling passengers to their flights as early as 2026. Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, told the BBC: "These vehicles arriving in just a couple of months' time are a huge boost and I'm excited to see them serving holidaymakers on our year-round flights in the New Year." The futuristic vehicles come to the airport after plans were announced earlier this year to invest £2 million to build a facility that would construct and test trackless trams. The Tees Valley Combined Authority hopes the facility would allow driverless vehicles to be put to work in town centres by the end of 2027. He went on to say that the tech will likely have an impact on the whole aviation industry. Aurrigo has deployed its driverless vehicles across the world before but has never trialled them at a live airport. The firm's test will mark a world first as the driverless buses take to the tarmac. Driverless buses have previously been used in Scotland but never deployed to an airport before. The new technology allows for operating costs to be reduced with no need to pay drivers. Driverless vehicles are still relatively new and untested technology and are yet to be rolled out nationwide.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New hanger being built at Teesside Airport for international aviation company
A twin-bay hangar is being built at Teesside Airport for an international aviation company. The 50ft-high facility is being constructed on the airport's north side by Willis Aviation Services Limited to support the company's growing operations. The 100m x 50m hangar will accommodate 737 and A320 family aircraft, including new-generation models. The new facility is expected to create "a significant number of new highly-skilled jobs at Teesside," according to a spokesperson. The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority Cabinet recently agreed on a £12.5 million package for airport infrastructure as part of a wider investment plan, including roads and taxiways for the Willis twin-bay hangar. Plans have also been submitted for another new hangar for aviation and technology company Draken to further establish Teesside Airport as a base to help train RAF fighters. The expansion comes after the signing of a £173 million contract with the Ministry of Defence this year, which cemented its place at Teesside for another five years. Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "It's great to see steel in the ground and even more progress roaring ahead at our airport site. "Willis have been brilliant supporters of our airport and it's wonderful to see their businesses thrive, with this expansion creating even more well-paid jobs for local people. "And it's also pleasing to see plans moving forward for Draken to secure their vital place on Teesside. "Holiday flights are important – and to have Malaga back in its rightful place on our departure boards is a huge boost. "It's also crucial we continue to attract more routes. "We're also ramping up our business park and investing to secure vital income for the airport through landing fees, rent, and jobs. "By backing businesses in Airbourne Colours, Willis, and Draken – and attracting others – we're forging new careers and we're laying the groundwork to attract even more international companies to our airport." Phil Forster, Teesside International Airport managing director, added: "We have fantastic transport links, a unique location in the heart of the UK, and the benefits of Freeport status. "It all means Teesside Airport Business Park offers major advantages for companies. "Willis have been loyal supporters and partners of the airport for many years and it's great to see them grow and cement their place here with this new facility. "With new long-term agreements at our airport, it means we're really gaining a reputation as a viable one-stop shop for airline maintenance, repair, and operations overhaul." Austin C Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corporation, said: "We made a promise to create several hundred jobs in North-East England, and we are proud to be delivering on that commitment. READ MORE: Local election 2025: County Durham's political future in the balance Nissan boss says Sunderland and UK 'not a competitive place' Trust called to 'comply' over Darlington nurse trans row "We are following through on our pledge to establish and expand our services in this region and beyond. "Our integrated services businesses support third-party customers, as well as the company's owned and managed assets, driving meaningful growth and opportunity in the communities we serve." Willis will host a jobs fair at its existing Teesside Airport base from 10am to 2pm on May 16, where local people can hear about the new opportunities available. For more information, please contact openday@
