Airport Authority Hong Kong wins at HKB Technology Excellence Awards 2024

 Autonomous Electric Tractor enhances airport operations efficiency and safety.

Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) won the Automation - Aviation category at the Hong Kong Business Technology Excellence Awards 2024 for the successful deployment of Autonomous Electric Tractor (AET) for Cargo and Baggage Towing in the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).

The AET’s transformative impact represents a milestone breakthrough in airport operations, enhancing an aircraft's on-time performance and passenger experience by supporting the process engineering of planeside loading and unloading activities. 

Enhancing manpower efficiency

The AET alleviates manpower capacity constraints and further enhances manpower efficiency at HKIA by introducing autonomous vehicles for baggage and cargo towing.

During T1 Midfield and Cargo Apron operations, AAHK successfully deployed a fleet of 29 Baggage and Cargo AETs to operate daily, in collaboration with cargo terminal operators, ramp handling operators, and airlines. The AET fleet operates extensively at HKIA between the main cargo apron and the west cargo apron, as well as AET baggage towing between Terminal 1 and T1 Midfield Concourse. Recently, the fleet has further expanded their service area by towing baggage to and from aircraft parking stand, marking a milestone of autonomous technology development at HKIA. 

The deployment of autonomous vehicles has greatly reduced apron traffic accidents as well as prolonged outdoor activities for frontline staff.

Green airport initiative

Beyond technological advancement, AET’s achievements extend to reaching sustainability goals with its GO GREEN initiative. AAHK’s AET is fully electric and has automation solutions that are resistant to adverse weather and labour shortage problems.

AET also produces zero emissions during operations, which helps to improve air quality and mitigate climate change, as compared to traditional diesel tractors.

After overcoming many challenges such as safety, security, and customisations of autonomous driving solutions, AET has gained more trust and loyalty from clients with its continuous momentum growth—from short to long distances, from apron roads to the baggage hall and parking stands, and from a few vehicles to a large fleet. With the success of the AET, some Cargo Terminal Operators and airports are considering autonomous technology, showcasing HKIA’s position as a leading airport.  

The HKB Technology Excellence Awards is a prestigious awards programme presented by Hong Kong Business Magazine which aims to honour outstanding companies that have made groundbreaking contributions in pursuit of technological innovation.

The Hong Kong Business Technology Excellence Awards is presented by Hong Kong Business Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding contributions in pursuit of technological innovation, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].