On Monday, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that it has begun a three-day demonstration period to test the use of electric autonomous vehicle shuttles at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
"This demonstration is an opportunity to evaluate and test new and emerging technology to improve our customer experience," said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole. "We continue to see the importance of offering customers innovative and world-class services in response to their needs."
The demonstration will feature two autonomous vehicle shuttles platooning, which allows multiple autonomous vehicles to travel together in unison, increasing the passenger capacity for each trip.
If proven safe and successful, the shuttles, created by French manufacturer Navya, could be used to transport passengers throughout airport parking lots, to nearby commuter rail stations or to associated car rental facilities.
"The Port Authority has been laser-focused on cutting-edge technological advancements, and we are happy to be participating in this first-of-its-kind exploration of autonomous vehicle use in an airport application," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.
"Our innovation group is also in touch with other transit and airport agencies around the country to establish best practices in the use of autonomous vehicles to provide 21st century transportation options in the region," he added.
Though fully self-driving, the shuttles will be accompanied by an on-board safety operator and monitored by Navya's control center in Michigan.
The demonstration will take place within a portion of the JFK Aqueduct Parking Lot that will be closed to the public and represents the first program of its kind in the United States.
"The upcoming demonstration represents the first platooning test at an American airport," said Navya CEO Sophie Desormière. "We are excited to be a part of it as our expertise in AV technology includes solutions for the transportation of people and goods."
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