Latest news with #JaffarDawood
TECHx
15-07-2025
- Business
- TECHx
dnata Deploys Autonomous Vehicles at DWC Airport
Home » Smart Sectors » Travel & Hospitality » dnata Deploys Autonomous Vehicles at DWC Airport dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has announced the deployment of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). The initiative introduces next-generation technology to ramp operations. dnata now operates six electric EZTow tractors, developed by TractEasy, at the airport. Traditionally, human drivers transported baggage between the terminal and aircraft. The new autonomous vehicles streamline the process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at once, traveling at speeds of up to 15 km/h on pre-defined routes. This AED6 million (US$1.6 million) project starts with Level 3 autonomy, which involves limited human oversight. dnata revealed plans to upgrade to Level 4 autonomy by early 2026, enabling full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments. As operations evolve, staff who previously drove baggage tractors will be reassigned to higher-value tasks. This is expected to support faster aircraft turnarounds and reduce the risk of human error on the ramp. The deployment follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The group has worked on creating a regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments. Vehicles will operate daily, improving efficiency and safety. The project also serves as a testbed for wider rollout models. dnata aims to refine autonomous ground handling approaches as DWC prepares to expand into the world's largest airport, with a planned capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, stated that this move brings autonomous technology into daily airport operations. He emphasized the role of automation in building smarter, safer, and more resilient infrastructure. Rich Reno, CEO of TractEasy, added that the collaboration with dnata marks a significant step forward in safe and efficient autonomous adoption in the aviation sector.
Gulf Insider
15-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Airport Trials Self-Driving Baggage Tractors – Here Is How They Work
Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport is now using self-driving electric tractors to move baggage. Aviation services company dnata has launched a fleet of six autonomous vehicles at the airport, representing an investment of Dh6 million, it said on Tuesday. The tractors, which can tow up to four baggage containers at a time, will initially operate with minimal human oversight, with plans to transition to full self-driving capability by early 2026. dnata said it now operates six electric tractors – the EZTow model, developed by TractEasy – at DWC. dnata stated that the move will enhance efficiency and safety, enabling staff to be reassigned to more complex tasks. The deployment is part of a push towards automation as Dubai World Central expands to become the world's largest airport. Trials of similar technology are underway in over 15 countries, but dnata claims this launch marks a significant step in bringing autonomous vehicles into regular airport operations. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata stated that it would utilise this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine various operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout, especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. The insights gained will help shape how automation is built into the core of future airport operations at DWC, it said. 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure,' he said. Autonomous ground support equipment (GSE) has become a key focus area for innovation in recent years. According to the IATA, such trials are currently underway in more than 15 countries, although most remain in early testing phases or are restricted to small-scale pilots. 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO.
Time of India
15-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE: Driverless baggage tractors have taken over at Al Maktoum Airport, driverless tech explained
The driverless baggage tractor operates at Level 3, autonomously towing containers with human oversight ready to intervene if needed/ Image: Dubai Media Office TL;DR dnata has launched autonomous electric baggage tractors at Dubai World Central ( DWC ). The self-driving fleet reduces manual labor and improves ramp safety and efficiency. It operates at Level 3 automation, with a plan to upgrade to Level 4 by 2026. The project cost AED 6 million (US$ 1.6 million). The move supports DWC's future as the world's largest airport. dnata Rolls Out Self-Driving Baggage Tractors at DWC dnata, a global air and travel services leader, has introduced a fleet of autonomous electric baggage tractors at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The move brings cutting-edge automation into one of aviation's most labour- and time-intensive areas: ground handling. The AED 6 million (US$ 1.6 million) initiative includes the deployment of six electric EZTow autonomous tractors, developed by TractEasy, a specialist in driverless logistics solutions. Each vehicle can tow up to four baggage containers (ULDs) simultaneously at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes across the airport ramp. Unlike traditional towing operations, which rely heavily on human drivers operating under strict time constraints, the autonomous fleet streamlines baggage transport, reduces operational delays, and improves overall safety. dnata notes that this shift will allow ground handling personnel to be reassigned to more complex and value-added tasks, increasing efficiency across the board. 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry,' said Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata. 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Đây có thể là thời điểm tốt nhất để giao dịch vàng trong 5 năm qua IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.' Understanding the Technology: From Level 3 to Full Autonomy The current rollout begins with Level 3 autonomous functionality, classified as Conditional Driving Automation. At this level, the vehicle is capable of environmental detection and making decisions, such as accelerating, braking, and steering—yet still requires human oversight and intervention when needed. By early 2026, dnata plans to upgrade to Level 4 automation, which enables fully self-driving operations in controlled environments without human intervention, a milestone for ground support equipment (GSE) in commercial aviation. Here's a breakdown of the SAE International's six levels of vehicle automation that form the basis of this transition: The Six Levels of Vehicle Automation Level 0 (No Automation): The human driver is fully responsible for all driving tasks. Level 1 (Driver Assistance): Features such as adaptive cruise control support one element of driving (either steering or acceleration/deceleration), but require constant human oversight. Level 2 (Partial Automation): Vehicles can steer, accelerate, and brake under certain conditions, but a human must remain engaged and supervise at all times. Examples include Tesla Autopilot and GM's Super Cruise. Level 3 (Conditional Automation): Vehicles have environmental awareness and can make decisions autonomously (e.g., overtaking), but still require a human to take over if the system disengages. Audi's A8L Traffic Jam Pilot was one of the first production-ready Level 3 systems, although legal constraints have limited its full deployment. Level 4 (High Automation): No human intervention is needed under specific, geofenced conditions (such as airport ramps or city zones). Companies like Waymo, NAVYA, and Volvo/Baidu are advancing Level 4 deployments for ride-hailing and shuttle services. Level 5 (Full Automation): Full autonomy in all conditions, with no steering wheels or pedals. These vehicles are still in testing and not available to the public. By progressing to Level 4, dnata is positioning itself at the cutting edge of automation in aviation logistics, joining a select group of early adopters shaping global benchmarks. A Collaborative Rollout, Built for the Airport of the Future The deployment is the result of over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports, and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). Together, these partners worked to establish a new regulatory framework for autonomous operations on airside environments, which remain largely undefined on a global scale. The operation at DWC also serves a dual purpose: it's a live pilot and a testbed. dnata aims to trial various operational models for autonomous GSE to determine best practices that can inform a broader rollout, particularly in light of DWC's long-term development ambitions. The airport is set to become the world's largest upon full build-out, with projected annual capacity for 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo. The insights gained from this deployment will help embed automation into the very core of that growth strategy. 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, CEO of TractEasy. 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.' Leading by Example: dnata's Broader Automation Strategy dnata's investment in autonomous tractors follows a pattern of innovation in ground and cargo handling. In a previous initiative, dnata successfully integrated autonomous drones into its warehouse operations, significantly reducing shipment processing time and improving tracking accuracy. The current rollout further strengthens dnata's reputation as a global leader in digital transformation within aviation logistics. According to IATA, trials of autonomous GSE are being conducted in over 15 countries, though most remain in early-stage pilots. dnata's operational deployment places it ahead of the curve and among the first to adopt such technology in live, regulated airport conditions. FAQs Q: What did dnata launch at DWC? A: A fleet of six autonomous electric baggage tractors for airport ground handling. Q: What is the current level of automation? A: The tractors operate at Level 3 automation and will upgrade to Level 4 by early 2026. Q: Who built the autonomous tractors? A: They were developed by TractEasy, in partnership with dnata and other aviation stakeholders. Q: What are the benefits of these autonomous vehicles? A: Increased safety, faster turnarounds, reduced human error, and labor reallocation to higher-value tasks. Q: Why is this rollout significant? A: It marks one of the first real-world uses of autonomous vehicles in daily airside airport operations.
Hi Dubai
15-07-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
dnata Deploys Autonomous Vehicles to Enhance Airport Ground Operations at DWC
dnata has introduced autonomous ground support vehicles at Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), marking a significant advancement in automating airport ramp operations. The move is part of a broader effort to streamline one of the most labour- and time-intensive areas in aviation—ground handling. The rollout includes six EZTow electric baggage tractors, developed by TractEasy. These autonomous vehicles can tow up to four baggage containers at speeds of up to 15 km/h along predefined routes. By automating baggage movement between terminals and aircraft, dnata aims to reduce human error, enhance airside safety, and reassign drivers to more complex operational tasks that add value and speed up aircraft turnarounds. This AED 6 million (USD $1.6 million) initiative begins with Level 3 autonomy, which allows for limited human intervention, and is expected to evolve into Level 4 full autonomy by early 2026. The deployment also serves as a testbed for future large-scale automation at DWC, which is set to become the world's largest airport with a planned capacity of 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at dnata, said: 'This is an important step forward for both dnata and the wider aviation industry… automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.' Rich Reno, CEO of TractEasy, added: 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.' The project was developed in collaboration with Dubai Airports and the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), who are jointly working on creating regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles in airside environments—a largely unregulated area globally. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Gulf Today
15-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
dnata rolls out autonomous vehicles in airport operations
dnata, a global air and travel services provider, has deployed a fleet of autonomous vehicles at Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC), introducing next-generation technology in ramp operations. dnata now operates six electric tractors - the EZTow model developed by TractEasy - at DWC. Traditionally, baggage is transported between the terminal and aircraft by human drivers, each operating under tight time constraints. The new autonomous vehicles streamline this process by towing up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a time at speeds of up to 15 km/h, following pre-defined routes. With these new vehicles now in service, and as they become integrated into operations, staff who previously drove baggage tractors can be reassigned to more complex, value-added tasks, supporting faster turnarounds. At the same time, autonomous driving reduces the risk of human error, making airside operations safer for everyone on the ramp. The Dhs6 million (US$1.6 million) project deployment begins with Level 3 autonomy, which involves minimal human oversight. This will upgrade to Level 4 autonomy, defined by full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments, in early 2026. The rollout follows over a year of collaboration between dnata, TractEasy, Dubai Airports and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The parties have been working together to create a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments, which remain largely undefined at a global level. Beyond its day-to-day role, dnata will use this deployment as a testbed to trial and refine different operating models for autonomous ground handling. The aim is to identify the most effective approach for wider rollout, especially as DWC expands into what is set to become the world's largest airport, with capacity for up to 260 million passengers and 12 million tonnes of cargo annually. Jaffar Dawood, Divisional Senior Vice President for UAE Airport Operations at data, said, 'While autonomous vehicles have largely been limited to trials, this deployment brings the technology into regular, day-to-day operations. As global travel continues to rebound and operational demands increase, automation could be key to building smarter, safer and more resilient infrastructure.' 'Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off,' said Rich Reno, TractEasy's CEO. 'TractEasy is proud and excited to partner with an industry leader like dnata and blaze a safe and efficient autonomous trail for others to follow.' WAM
