Brussels Airport is trialling an autonomous electric tow tractor to assess how self-driving technology could improve the efficiency and sustainability of cargo movements between warehouses and operational areas.
It marks the first real-life test of autonomous cargo transport at a Belgian airport.
The pilot is being conducted in collaboration with WFS Cargo and Charlatte Autonom, a joint venture between Charlatte Manutention and Navya Mobility, as part of the European Stargate programme.
The electric vehicle is operating on four predefined routes within the airport's cargo zone, including movements between warehouses and aprons.
It can tow up to four cargo trailers during the trials and is limited to a maximum speed of 12kph when operating autonomously.
Brussels Airport said the project will evaluate how the technology can be integrated into day-to-day cargo operations, while identifying the requirements for potential deployment on a larger scale.
Arnaud Feist, chief executive of Brussels Airport, said: "At Brussels Airport, we continue to explore innovative and sustainable solutions that can tangibly strengthen cargo operations.
"The aviation and logistics sectors are evolving rapidly. Thanks to this project, we can gain valuable insights into the potential of autonomous technologies, and into what they can deliver in terms of efficiency and sustainability, while people remain key to operations and the highest safety standards are maintained."
The tow tractor uses satellite navigation and laser sensors to detect its surroundings and identify obstacles, while autonomous driving software developed by Navya Mobility controls its trajectory and navigation in mixed-traffic environments.
Safety measures include the permanent presence of a trained operator on board who can intervene when necessary.
Trials are also being conducted during off-peak hours under controlled conditions.
Several WFS Cargo operators are being trained to work safely with the vehicle as part of the pilot.
The project follows a Brussels Airport trial in 2024 that explored the use of a self-driving shuttle to transport airport employees.
The latest trials form part of Stargate, a European Commission-backed programme focused on developing and testing solutions for more sustainable aviation.
Brussels Airport leads the initiative, which brings together 22 partners, including three other European airports and several airlines.
