Autonomous technology that enhances airport functions such as airside operations, terminal space operations or intra-transit options is the focus of the Airport Innovation Lab’s inaugural one-year programme at the San Diego International airport.
Applications are being accepted for this programme that will allow companies with autonomous technology solutions to test and refine their products in a live environment. Examples of technology accepted for this programme are autonomous pushback solutions, AI based smart assistants and autonomous transit options for moving passengers and staff throughout the airport within the terminal space. These solutions offer operational efficiency and logistics and provide a positive passengers experience. Accepted applicants will participate in a four-quarter, one-year programme. In each three-month quarter, participants will partake of a variety of workshops, will test sprints and experience one-to-one mentoring sessions that will culminate with demonstration presentations. Topics of the workshops include operations, revenue management, business development, IT, customer experience and marketing.
At the end of the programme, successful autonomous technology solutions will have the potential to enter into contract negotiations with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
The three year contract began on March 17, 2021. This contract expands the existing relationship between ATS and Spirit, with current partnerships in Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Portland, Santa Ana and West Palm Beach.