Estonian autonomous-vehicle maker Auve Tech is running driverless shuttles across Tallinn Airport without an onboard safety operator, carrying staff and parts for aircraft-maintenance company Magnetic MRO, Euronews reports.
In its article, Euronews Next followed the MiCa vehicles along routes near parked aircraft. They connect Magnetic MRO’s hangars, moving employees, tools and spare parts. The shuttles follow mapped routes through the airfield. A remote operator monitors them and can provide guidance if a vehicle needs it.
Shuttles move from testing into daily work
Auve Tech began testing at Tallinn Airport in 2023 and launched a commercial service in 2025 with an operator on board. It received permission to remove that operator in August 2026. The company says the shuttles now cover about 1,000 kilometres a week between the maintenance hangars.
The eight-seat electric MiCa uses cameras and laser sensors to recognise its surroundings. Deivis Sepp, Auve Tech’s fleet operations lead, told Euronews the airport safety board examined performance data weekly before allowing driverless operation. He said the shuttle can brake for a small obstacle, including a bird crossing its route.
Remote supervision changes the economics
Taavi Rõivas, chair of Auve Tech’s supervisory board, told Euronews that one person can monitor several vehicles remotely. He estimated that supervising about three at once would let the service match the cost of human-driven transport. Magnetic Group chief executive Risto Mäeots said the shuttles also carry spare parts; larger items still need conventional vehicles.
The airport service moves beyond the earlier Tallinn Airport trials described by Auve Tech. Rõivas said representatives of other airports have been visiting Tallinn to see the service in use.
Read the full Euronews story.
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