Global technology company Aptiv is to pick up and drop off selected passengers in its self-driving vehicles in a pilot scheme at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This first-of-its-kind airport access to autonomous vehicles will aid the company’s development of a production-ready Level 4 autonomous driving platform in 2022. It will also help Aptiv and McCarran learn more about robotaxi utilization and deployment, to optimize efficient ground transportation in and out of the airport. These rides are not yet available to the public.
“Data has shown that a significant portion of ride-hailing demand comes from passengers traveling to and from airports,” said Karl Iagnemma, president of Aptiv Autonomous Mobility. “We look forward to working with McCarran International Airport to demonstrate that self-driving cars can soon improve their customers’ mobility experience.”
McCarran joins the list of over 3,400 destinations that Aptiv’s self-driving vehicles currently service in Las Vegas, including restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues and other high-traffic locations, such as the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Aptiv operates autonomous vehicles across Boston, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh in the USA and Singapore. In September 2019, the company announced it is entering an autonomous driving joint venture with Hyundai Motor Group. The joint venture will ultimately assume control of Aptiv’s current operations in Las Vegas, including its pilot program with McCarran International Airport.