Aviation leaders unite to drive airport automation

UK aviation and technology leaders have joined forces to “accelerate the development of the next generation” of connected and automated solutions.

The Airside Automation Group has been launched to foster collaboration between the civil aviation sector and the connected and automated mobility (CAM) industry. 

Announced at Cenex Expo 2025, the annual UK innovation conference, and established by Zenzic, the Government-backed organisation supporting CAM growth, the group’s founding members include International Airlines Group, Heathrow Airport, Aer Lingus, Fusion Processing and others.

Bosses say the group will aim to showcase the benefits of CAM solutions, attract investment, highlight opportunities and risks, support resilient and competitive supply chains, as well as promote research, development and commercial rollout of automation technology across UK airports.

Mark Cracknell, programme director at Zenzic, said: “The CAM sector contributes billions of pounds to the UK economy annually and with the Government harbouring ambitions to increase this to over £42 billion by 2035, we see further growth in the aviation market as being key to realising this potential.

“British businesses are already developing world-leading solutions which are being exported and deployed across the globe and the establishing of the Airside Automation Group will help us to further build on this success, by increasing collaboration, amplifying the fantastic work coming out of the group and supporting the aviation industry as it aims to understand how CAM can help meet upcoming challenges and grasp lucrative growth opportunities.​”

The announcement of the group comes as UK companies increasingly establish themselves as world leaders in developing and deploying CAM solutions for the aviation sector, with pioneers such as Aurrigo and Oxa already rolling out vehicles and technology in airports worldwide.

Coventry-based Aurrigo has trialled autonomous baggage handling vehicles at Singapore’s Changi Airport, with its Auto-Dolly Tug and Auto-Sim systems recommended to 60 airports following a successful pilot at Amsterdam Schiphol. 

Meanwhile, University of Oxford spin-out Oxa is trialling autonomous logistics technology with DHL at Heathrow Airport, while Fusion Processing is developing autonomous passenger transit solutions in partnership with Construct Invest.

Andrew Cornish, non-executive chair at Aurrigo, who will also be chair of the newly formed Airside Automation Group, added: “I am proud to chair the newly established Airside Automation Group and to see Aurrigo among its founding members. 

“For more than a decade, we have been pioneering autonomous aviation solutions made in Coventry and deployed in airports from Singapore to Amsterdam and Cincinnati. 

“That global experience gives us a unique opportunity to bring real-world insights back into this UK-led collaboration.

“The group provides a vital platform for industry and innovators to come together, share learning and accelerate the development of the next generation of connected and automated solutions. 

“By working collectively, we can ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this global transformation, delivering world-class technology, stronger supply chains, and long-term economic growth.”

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