British Airways tests fully autonomous, electric mobility devices at New York’s JFK Airport

March 9, 2020 | AUVSI News

As part of its journey to become the airline of choice for customers with both hidden and visible disabilities, British Airways recently became the first airline to trial fully autonomous, electric mobility devices in North America.

Exclusively tested by the airline’s customers at New York’s JFK Airport, the devices offer additional independence for customers who can’t walk long distances but may not have their own wheelchair. Equipped with anti-collision technology, the devices allow customers to set their preferred destination anywhere within the airport. The vehicle navigates the terminal safely without the need for assistance from travel companions or the airport support team, which are currently responsible for escorting customers from check-in directly to the boarding gate.

“Our customers tell us they would like greater independence and control over their journey through the airport, so we were keen to trial autonomous devices and see our customers response to the very latest mobility technology in a real airport environment,” explains Ricardo Vidal, British Airways’ head of Innovation.

“Over the next few months we will be collaborating on a further trial at our busy home hub at Heathrow Terminal 5 to gather more feedback and explore the introduction of this technology alongside our team of customer service professionals to provide a truly seamless and accessible airport experience. I’m excited about the future of inclusive innovation to support the accelerating demand for accessible air travel.”

With the autonomous mobility devices, customers have the freedom to explore the airport at their own leisure and can change destination as many times as they like on their way to the boarding gate. Once the customer reaches the gate, they alight, and the device drives itself back to the docking station ready for the next customer.

Each year, nearly half a million customers who require additional assistance fly with British Airways. With that number expected to rise by 10 percent by 2021, British Airways is exploring new ways to offer a seamless travel experience, including trialing self-driving, self-navigating, electric vehicles from WHILL, a Japanese technology firm.