Etihad Airways, along with Abu Dhabi International Airport and WHILL, has completed its trial of autonomous wheelchairs at the airport.

The trial, which is the second phase of the pilot project, was carried out from 2 to 6 December. The project started in September this year.

During the trial period, around 60 passengers with reduced mobility used the wheelchairs to safely move through the airport’s crowded areas and lounges to their gates.

After dropping passengers at their gates, the wheelchairs returned to the collection point independently.

The technology features sensors to identify an obstruction, which then activates the wheelchair’s automatic stop function.

Passengers were also supported by porters, who assisted their autonomous wheelchair use.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Etihad Aviation Group COO Mohammad Al Bulooki said: “The feedback we received from guests who participated in these trials was overwhelmingly positive, and I look forward to the possibility of offering our guests the choice of autonomous wheelchairs in the future.

“Etihad’s commitment to innovation remains strong, and we’re proud to invest in trials and projects like this, that give our guests a truly unique, seamless and independent experience when travelling with Etihad Airways.”

With this move, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi International Airport have become the region’s first airline and airport to trial autonomous wheelchairs.

Last month, Dallas / Fort Worth International Airport in the US and Winnipeg Richardson International Airport in Canada announced trials of WHILL’s autonomous personal electric vehicles.

In October, Japan Airlines partnered with Japan Airport Terminal to trial WHILL’s self-navigating electric wheelchairs at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.