Air cargo operators are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence and autonomous electric vehicles as they respond to surging e-commerce demand, ongoing labour shortages and tightening decarbonisation targets.
Technology firm Westwell is accelerating the deployment of its AI-powered logistics solutions across airports, seaports, rail networks and industrial sites, as operators look to boost efficiency while cutting emissions.
With a customer base spanning more than 200 organisations across over 30 economies, Westwell has positioned its “AI + New Energy” strategy as a response to some of the most pressing challenges in global logistics.
Autonomous tractors target air cargo operations
At the core of Westwell’s airport offering is the Q-Tractor, an autonomous electric vehicle designed specifically for airside cargo transport.
Powered by the company’s proprietary Q-Pilot autonomous driving platform, the vehicle integrates advanced perception systems with AI-driven decision-making, enabling it to navigate complex airport environments.
According to the company, the tractors are capable of operating 24/7 in varied weather and visibility conditions, supported by multiple redundant safety systems to ensure reliability.
A key feature is automated trailer coupling and uncoupling, allowing cargo units to be connected and disconnected without human intervention. This capability supports fully autonomous cargo transport, as well as loading and unloading operations within airport terminals.
As fully electric vehicles, the Q-Tractors also contribute to reducing emissions from ground handling activities, supporting airports’ sustainability objectives.
AI manages cargo flows and fleet operations
In parallel with its autonomous vehicles, Westwell has developed intelligent operational platforms to manage airport logistics in real time.
Its ReeWell intelligent operations platform and WellFMS fleet management system leverage AI to optimise routing, vehicle dispatch, energy usage and cargo flow coordination.
By integrating flights, cargo volumes, vehicles and energy resources into a unified system, these platforms are designed to improve fleet utilisation and enhance overall operational efficiency.
Deployment expands across Asia’s major cargo hubs
Westwell’s technologies are already in use at several of Asia’s leading air cargo hubs, including Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Ezhou Huahu International Airport.
The company has also secured new projects at Fuzhou Changle International Airport and Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport.
In 2025, Westwell received approval to deploy its autonomous electric tractors at Hactl, one of the world’s largest independent cargo handling operators. The vehicles are now supporting unmanned cargo transport within the terminal, helping to improve productivity while advancing sustainability goals.
AI expands into runway safety
Beyond cargo handling, Westwell is extending its AI capabilities into airport safety operations.
At Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the company is developing an autonomous runway inspection system that combines self-driving vehicles, radar technology and AI-powered image recognition.
The system is designed to detect foreign object debris (FOD) on runways, enabling faster hazard identification and enhancing overall flight safety.
As global airports face increasing pressure to handle rising cargo volumes while reducing costs and emissions, AI-driven and autonomous technologies are set to play a critical role in shaping the future of air cargo logistics.