Waymo, the self-driving car company, is making strides in its efforts to gain access to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for its robotaxi service, according to recently viewed emails. While Waymo already has permits to operate its robotaxi service in certain areas of San Francisco and highways leading to the airport, obtaining approval from the San Francisco Airport Commission is a separate process.
The process for granting permits at the airport is not straightforward and could resemble the one Uber and Lyft went through over a decade ago. Waymo would need a ground transportation permit specific to SFO, which has not yet been approved. The airport spokesperson, Doug Yakel, explained that since this is a new mode of transportation, a new permit structure would need to be created, similar to what was done for Uber and Lyft.
Despite the challenges and a previous unsuccessful attempt to receive a permit for mapping the airport in 2023, Waymo remains committed to the process. The email exchanges between Waymo executives, SFO officials, and Mayor London Breed’s office primarily revolve around scheduling meetings and discussing the company’s mission, technology, operations, and safety approach.
The first significant outreach from Waymo occurred on April 15 when Chief Product Officer Saswat Panigrahi expressed interest in meeting with SFO General Manager Ivar Satero. In the email, Panigrahi mentioned Waymo’s successful operations in San Francisco and at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix. Waymo riders in the Bay Area have consistently requested service to SFO, and the company aims to partner with airport leaders to work towards that goal.
A Waymo spokesperson confirmed that preliminary discussions have taken place with SFO regarding noncommercial mapping and driving operations with a human driver at the airport. The spokesperson emphasized that Waymo intends to proceed with SFO in a phased and collaborative manner, similar to their partnership with Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
The first step in the process would be for Waymo to digitally map the airport’s roadways. However, Waymo’s previous attempt to obtain permission to map the airport was postponed by the airport’s director of landside operations. The director wanted Waymo to complete mapping for surrounding cities and secure autonomous operations approval from the California Public Utilities Commission before granting the mapping permit.
In March 2024, Waymo received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission for autonomous operations in San Mateo County. However, SFO officials have yet to approve Waymo’s mapping process, as they want to ensure that the company gains more experience safely serving the surrounding communities before allowing any activity at the airport.
In conclusion, Waymo is actively pursuing access to San Francisco International Airport for its robotaxi service. While there are challenges and a lengthy process involved, Waymo remains committed to collaborating with SFO officials and commission members to make this vision a reality. By engaging in preliminary discussions, conducting digital mapping, and demonstrating their expertise, Waymo aims to establish a successful partnership with SFO, similar to their operations at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix.