Aurrigo International, which listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in September 2022, has appointed Lewis Girdwood executive director of aviation technology.
The former head of financial planning and analysis at easyJet and chief financial officer of IAG Cargo will be responsible for rolling out the company’s third-generation Auto-DollyTug, an all-electric, autonomous vehicle that combines the utility of a baggage tractor with the ULD carrying capability of an airport dolly. There will also be a strong focus on introducing the firm’s Auto-Sim 3D digital twin software to more strategic partners.
“This is a really exciting time for Aurrigo, with recent partnerships and contracts giving us real momentum in the aviation sector and we expect more to follow,” said Girdwood, who has more than 35 years’ experience in corporate finance and aviation.
“Autonomous technology is constantly being spoken about, but there are few companies who are at the stage where they are deploying it in a real-world environment.
“By the middle of this year, Auto-DollyTug will be demonstrating the movement of luggage and cargo around five airports, delivering greener efficiencies and a potential answer to the sector’s widening skills gap.”
Girdwood, who previously held a non-exec audit chair position at Aurrigo, has worked with several high-profile businesses at different stages of their growth and maturity.
He has substantial experience in aviation and delivering strong financial performance and will use this expertise to help deliver the company’s ambitious growth plans through the mix of strategic customer partnerships it has signed and those currently in discussion.
Girdwood’s move has created an opening for a board member, with Aurrigo welcoming Peter Whiting as a new independent non-executive director and chair of the audit committee.
