dnata has introduced autonomous GSE into “day-to-day” operations at Dubai World Central.
The project follows a trial at the airport first announced in September.
The company has deployed six EZTow baggage tractors, supplied by TractEasy, in the first rollout of multiple autonomous units in live ground handling operations.
The Level 3 vehicles can tow up to four baggage containers (ULDs) at a maximum speed of 15km/h following predefined routes.
As soon as early 2026, dnata hopes to see the deployment of Level 4 autonomy – which would mean full self-driving capabilities in controlled environments.
Robert Powell, vice president of dnata Technical Services for the UAE and global GSE strategy, told Airline Routes & Ground Services exclusively: “This is the first time that multiple autonomous GSE units have been deployed in a live, operational baggage logistics scenario.
“We’re starting at Level 3. We’re going to understand Level 3 both in terms of how this looks operationally but also making sure we provide the comfort to the airport operator that [the technology] is safe and reliable and that we also provide that comfort to the civil aviation authority.
“We think the step up to Level 4 autonomy would be very simple… When you look at the jump from Level 3 to Level 4 as purely taking the manual oversight away, so the mapping is still done and the routes are still planned, that jump, we feel should hopefully not be challenging.”
dnata has worked closely with Dubai Airports, which operates DWC, and the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority to make the deployment possible.
The stakeholders have developed a new regulatory framework for autonomous vehicle operations in airside environments – which largely remain undefined at a global level.
“We’ve come from zero understanding to approval for Level 3 [autonomy] which we are now introducing,” Powell said, adding that dnata is “confident” in the timeline for implementing Level 4 technology by early next year.
The company hopes the deployment of autonomous tractors in a live environment could serve as a benchmark for the rollout of similar operations at stations globally.
“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 company said.
According to Powell, this means looking at how dnata can introduce further automated processes in the baggage hall or in the approach up to the baggage conveyer belt.
He said: “We’re still learning, we’re still developing those operating models but we only learn by doing.
“This is not a trial, this is not a test. This is in service, learning by doing.”
Powell revealed that dnata is also in conversation with one airport in the UK about the deployment of autonomous GSE before the end of 2025.
“We’re already working with a UK airport to introduce the same solution [as in DWC] later this year,” he said.
“They have got some civil infrastructure changes which means we feel that we’ll be able to introduce autonomous tractors there.
“But actually our target for that airport is autonomous cargo tractors – so the next weight range up.”
He continued: “What we’re looking to do is work with them to demonstrate that the technology [can be introduced] for cargo tractors.
“We can use the DWC operation to help support a rollout at other dnata stations around the world.”
dnata has also shared its experiences at Dubai World Central with Changi Airport in Singapore.
The DWC deployment, according to dnata, marks a significant step towards the automation of ground handling services and how driverless vehicles can support current industry-wide challenges, including manpower shortages, as well as trends like increased safety and efficiency.
Rich Reno, CEO of TractEasy, said: “Autonomous GSE adoption is taking off. 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.”
