SATS, one of the world’s leading providers of air cargo and ground handling services, today announced a new integrated transport service supported by Autonomous Cargo Vehicles (ACVs) in Singapore as part of its efforts to improve cargo service reliability and resilience across the air cargo ecosystem.
The service enables cargo to be transported autonomously between SATS Airfreight Terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses within the Free Trade Zone. Designed for freight forwarders and cargo agents, the service is currently being validated under live operating conditions as it progresses towards full deployment.
The ACV model used in the pilot can transport up to 800 kilogrammes of cargo and automate routine point-to-point movements between SATS Airfreight Terminals and freight forwarders’ warehouses. As demand grows, the solution can be scaled through the deployment of higher capacity ACV models capable of carrying up to 1,500 kilogrammes as well as the potential to support round-the-clock operations.
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By enabling on-demand cargo transfers, the service reduces freight forwarders’ reliance on truck and driver schedules. This helps accelerate cargo collection and delivery, enabling consignees to receive their shipments sooner.
Henry Low, CEO, SATS SG Hub said, “Autonomous transportation allows us to rethink how cargo moves through the airport ecosystem — shifting routine movements towards an on-demand, scalable model. By integrating it into our operations, we can unlock capacity, strengthen resilience and augment the capabilities of our people, while delivering greater speed and reliability for our customers. This is how we are building a more intelligent and responsive Singapore air cargo hub for the future.”
SATS worked closely with Changi Airport Group to deploy and validate the ACVs within the airport’s autonomous vehicle operational and safety framework. The collaboration enables new technology to be tested and progressively integrated into live cargo operations while meeting the safety and operational requirements of the Changi air cargo ecosystem. As fully electric vehicles, the ACVs also support the transition towards more sustainable cargo transportation within the airport environment.
The initiative forms part of SATS Singapore Hub’s Hub Handler of the Future programme announced in October 2025 which brings together people, technology and new operating models to increase capacity, improve visibility and strengthen operational resilience. This supports SATS’ ambition to set the global benchmark for aviation hub operations by building best-in-class capabilities in Singapore that can be scaled across the Group’s worldwide network.
