GREER, S.C. –On December 2, 2021, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) hosted a demonstration of an advanced all-electric, automated vehicle in the airport’s new Economy P1 parking lot. The demonstration was offered by vehicle operators Oceaneering, the Plenary Group, and 2getthere, which is a part of the ZF Group.
The demonstration was designed to show airport and community partners the capabilities of the latest Group Rapid Transit (GRT) vehicle technology and its application to the airport environment. Specifically, it demonstrated how automated vehicles can be used as parking shuttles, cargo delivery vehicles, and other transit uses.
GSP’s investigation of all-electric automated vehicle technology began in 2015 when a study was conducted to determine how best to provide cost effective transportation to the airport’s remote parking lots. In 2016, the airport expanded its research to include how automated vehicles could be offered on an on-demand basis. In the demonstration, the GRT was able to operate from a parked location, through a designated course and return to a desired stop as determined by buttons pushed by the passengers in the vehicle. All this was achieved without a driver or gasoline power.
“At GSP, we are always looking for cutting-edge technology that makes the airport experience more efficient, safe, sustainable, and affordable. We think the future for all-electric automated Group Rapid Transit vehicles in the airport environment is very bright and we look forward to further investigating applications for GSP,” said Dave Edwards, president and CEO for the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District.
The GSP-branded GRT vehicle will offer additional demonstrations of its capabilities at the upcoming Pod Car City Conference in Atlanta, GA from December 9-10, 2021.
About Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport
Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) is served by seven major airlines offering convenient daily flights to destinations across the U.S. In 2020, GSP was recognized as the Best Airport in North America in the 2-5 million passenger category by its customers and Airports Council International. In 2021, the airport was awarded the Airports Council International (ACI) Airport Health Accreditation for its commitment prioritizing health and safety measures for its customers and employees. The airport is also a hub for air cargo, including flights regularly flown to and from Europe and points across the United States. Learn more at gspairport.com.
Video of the demonstration is available here: GRT Vehicle Demo 2021 GSP Airport - YouTube
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