David Keene, the founder of Aurrigo International, has been awarded an MBE for his services to the ‘decarbonisation of airports’, marking over 40 years of experience working in the automotive sector and developing driverless technology and intelligent mobility in aviation. Decarbonisation of Airports is at the forefront of innovation.
The Warwickshire-based entrepreneur was recognised for pioneering one of the most significant innovations the aviation world has seen in four decades with the launch of Auto-DollyTug — an autonomous vehicle moving luggage and cargo around six airports globally.
Autonomous Vehicles and Intelligent Mobility in Aviation
Designed, developed, and built at the firm’s Advanced Engineering Centre in Coventry, these electric-powered tugs promise to cut emissions, increase operational performance, and most importantly, improve passenger experience.
The MBE award came just weeks after Aurrigo International secured its largest agreement to date, entering a strategic partnership with Swissport to launch at Zurich Airport and explore future implementations worldwide.
Growth, Innovation, and Industry Recognition
“When you’ve been in business for four decades, nothing tends to surprise you…until this!” commented Professor David Keene MBE.
“Aurrigo has come a long way since I started the business in my spare room in 1993. While automotive components remain a major part of the business, it is our ‘first to market’ work in autonomous aviation vehicles that is catching media headlines.”
He added, “It is such a massive honour to be recognised by HRH King Charles, but the MBE is really for all the team that have played such a key role in our growth and success to date.
They’ve believed in the dream, and it is their skills, expertise, and technical knowledge that has transported us to the front of the autonomous conversation.”
Academic Partnerships and Industry Advocacy
David, who coined the intelligent Ground Support Equipment (iGSE) phrase sweeping aviation, is a passionate ambassador for UK manufacturing and encouraging young people into engineering.
He has forged strong academic relationships with Aston, Warwick, and Coventry Universities, providing students and researchers opportunities to explore R&D and embed lessons from his company’s advanced vehicles and technology.
His selfless passion for mobility has also seen him commit over 100 hours of voluntary service to the UK Automotive Council, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, local universities, and Galgotias University in India, lecturing on automated vehicles and technology.
Future Prospects in the Decarbonisation of Airports
These roles, held for over a decade, provide the small company viewpoint on technology development, business support, funding, and industry regulation.
David concluded, “We are building something really exciting in the UK that positions us as a real driving force in the world of autonomous vehicles for aviation.”
“As we grow through Auto-DollyTug, Auto-Sim (simulation software replicating airport activity), and Auto-Cargo (our largest vehicle yet), we are going to need more people with the right skills and talent to take us to the next level. That’s why it is important that we are vocal about the careers available in manufacturing and technology, showcasing the global opportunities they deliver.
