FAA seeks industry input on autonomous ground vehicle systems for airports
WASHINGTON - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking broad industry input on the design, testing, and integration of Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS) in airport environments as the demand for automation in aviation operations continues to grow.
The agency issued two guidance documents, Part 139 CertAlert 24-02 and Emerging Entrants Bulletin 25-02, that provide direction for airport sponsors interested in testing driverless systems. These publications are part of a wider effort to evaluate the operational benefits, risks, and standards needed as autonomous technologies move from demonstration to day-to-day use at airports.
The FAA notes that AGVS technology is being considered for a wide range of tasks traditionally performed by human operators, including self-driving jet bridges, aircraft tugs, baggage carts, snow removal and de-icing equipment, lawn maintenance vehicles, and shuttle services for employees and passengers.
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The FAA’s Airport Technology Research and Development Branch has been directed by the Office of Airports Safety and Standards to study the performance of AGVS in movement areas, safety areas, and non-movement areas. Research will focus on system reliability, communications, and safety in active airport environments where autonomous vehicles must operate near aircraft, ground crews, and other service equipment.
The agency is asking for responses from two key groups: designers and manufacturers of AGVS technology, and airport sponsors or stakeholders already operating or planning demonstrations. Information collected will be used to assess the maturity of the technology, identify challenges, and shape future minimum standards and operational guidance.
Key areas of interest include remote monitoring and control, object detection and obstacle avoidance, integration of sensors such as LiDAR, radar, and cameras, redundancy in navigation systems, wireless communications requirements, and cybersecurity protections. The FAA also seeks details on emergency shutoff procedures, vehicle responses to lost communications links, operating limits under adverse weather conditions, and how autonomous vehicles interact with human-driven vehicles, aircraft, and emergency response teams.
By gathering this information, the FAA says it aims to keep pace with rapid advances in automation and ensure that safety, security, and operational efficiency remain central as autonomous systems become part of the airport ecosystem. The agency also highlights potential impacts on airport security and passenger experience as driverless vehicles move closer to deployment.
Responses must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. EDT on 26 Sept. 26, 2025. The primary point of contact for this RFI is Karen Thorngren who can be reached at [email protected]. More information is available at https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/16aacf7c44ae4d99b886accbec2ad123/view.
Jamie Whitney
Jamie Whitney joined the staff of Military & Aerospace Electronics and Intelligent Aerospace. He brings seven years of print newspaper experience to the aerospace and defense electronics industry.
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