Changi Airport launches first autonomous baggage tractors after year-long trials

Singapore’s Changi Airport (SIN) announced that it has launched its first fleet of fully driverless autonomous tractors for airside operations following nearly a year of testing that covered more than 5,000 test trips.

The deployment, officiated by Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling, represents a significant step in the airport’s push toward automation and marks Singapore’s latest effort to integrate autonomous technology into airport operations.

Current operations and technology

Two autonomous tractors are now operating in live service, transferring passenger baggage between Terminal 1 and Terminal 4’s baggage handling areas, according to Changi Airport Group (CAG).

Each tractor is equipped with more than 10 sensors and cameras that enable the vehicles to navigate the complex airside environment in all weather conditions, including day, night, and rain. The vehicles are monitored from a control center where remote operators can intervene if human intervention becomes necessary.

According to CAG, six additional autonomous tractors will be deployed later this year on a different route between Terminal 2’s baggage handling area and aircraft stands as part of a collaboration between CAG and ground handler SATS. The fleet will expand to 24 vehicles by 2027, with future applications extending beyond baggage to include towing cargo and equipment.

#ChangiAirport has just launched AI-powered autonomous tractors that are fully driverless. This is part of Changi’s wider innovation strategy to allow staff to be deployed to roles with higher skills. Learn more: https://t.co/N6ur5FAjSf pic.twitter.com/RZlP0tAAX8— Changi Airport (@ChangiAirport) January 20, 2026 Operational integration and safety

To ensure safe operation alongside human workers, CAG has implemented clear autonomous vehicle (AV) zone markings throughout the airside area and attached visible labels to all autonomous vehicles.

The automation is designed to free airside workers from driving tasks, allowing them to focus on last-mile operations that are more difficult to automate, according to Liu Yanling, CAG’s Senior Vice President for Airport Operations Strategy and Transformation.

#image_title“The operationalization of our autonomous tractors today represents a huge step forward for Changi Airport, as we move towards our vision of the airside of the future,” Liu Yanling said. “Through collaborating with our airport partners to redesign work processes and infrastructural policies, we are shaping a future-proofed working environment where autonomous vehicles can function safely and seamlessly with other human-driven vehicles.”

Workforce implications

The deployment aligns with broader workforce transformation efforts in Singapore’s aviation sector. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which co-funded the project, up to 30% of the existing aviation workforce could experience job redesign over the next five years, with the majority in the ground handling sector.

Angela Ng, Director of Aviation Industry at CAAS, said the scaled deployment allows the agency to work with CAG, SATS, and unions to develop new systems, protocols, and job redesign programs.

“The scaled deployment of autonomous tractors allows CAAS, CAG, SATS and our unions to work together to implement the technology, develop new systems and protocols and set up job redesign programmes to help our workers adopt technology and transition to higher-value work,” Ng said.

SATS Senior Vice President for Apron Services Kuah Boon Kiam said the initiative supports the company’s Hub Handler of the Future program, which focuses on integrating automation into airside operations to enhance safety, improve turnaround efficiency, and increase service quality.

“This initiative supports SATS’ Hub Handler of the Future programme, where the integration of automation into our airside operations is a core focus,” Kuah Boon Kiam said. “For travellers, this translates into more reliable baggage handling and smoother aircraft turnarounds, supporting on-time departures and a seamless airport experience.”

Long-term strategy

The autonomous tractor deployment is part of Changi Airport’s broader innovation strategy, which includes AI initiatives such as “Aircraft 360” and the integration of automation and robotics to increase productivity.

As Changi prepares for the opening of Terminal 5 in the mid-2030s, CAG indicated that such innovations will be critical to meeting operational requirements and growing Singapore’s air hub to accommodate future air travel demand.

The project represents one of the first large-scale deployments of fully autonomous vehicles in airport airside operations globally, marking Singapore’s position as an early adopter of autonomous technology in the aviation sector.

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