Zurich Airport has launched two fully automated electric shuttle buses that operate at Level 4 autonomy without an onboard human safety monitor. The project, which began in March 2025, was developed in collaboration with the Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide to meet strict European Union safety and technical standards.
The shuttles currently operate on a defined route that avoids aircraft taxiways and runways. While the vehicles function without a driver, remote human teleoperation remains available for monitoring and intervention. The pilot program involves employees from partner companies Swissport and Krummen Kerzers, each providing their own remote operations staff.
The initial phase of the deployment involves test trips without passengers. Airport officials expect that employees will be cleared to use the automated shuttles for transit after approximately four weeks of successful test operations. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to electrify airport logistics and address the industry-wide shortage of skilled workers.
