Zooming Into Airport Turf: Tesla vs. Waymo

So, picture this: Tesla and Waymo, two giants of the autonomous vehicle game, are vying for prime real estate – airport pick-ups. Airports are the ultimate goldmine for ride-hailing, thanks to the non-stop flow of travelers.

Waymo’s already got one foot through the door. In Phoenix, they’ve been offering public rides since 2022. Recently, Waymo snagged the go-ahead to kick off fully autonomous rides at San Jose’s Mineta International Airport. They’re setting wheels to tarmac and expect commercial launches by year’s end.

Meanwhile, Tesla is hustling. They’re trying to navigate California’s regulations to get their Robotaxi rolling. Although they’ve launched their Pilot Robotaxi in Austin, California is still playing it conservative. They don’t have the nod to run self-driving gigs autonomously. Only a driver behind the wheel gets them legal right now.

The Lucrative World of Airport Ride-Hailing

Why are these tech goliaths so keen on airport turf? It’s simple: cash. In its latest filing, Uber disclosed that airport runs account for 15% of its bookings. Over at Lyft, a whopping 61% of riders have traveled to or from an airport. Lindsey Cameron from Wharton nails it—travelers are a “captive audience.” The convenience makes them willing to pay.

In San Francisco, rides by these companies hit a staggering 9.4 million last year. The financial result? An impressive $51.7 million in trip fee revenue for the airport. That’s not peanuts, folks.

Tesla’s Push for Permits

Tesla’s not just idling in the driveway. A July memo revealed they’re diving into discussions with the Bay Area’s major airports. Tesla has engaged San Francisco, San Jose, and Oakland airports about permits for pickups and drop-offs. Kaley Skantz from the Oakland airport confirmed contact but says it’s early days. Over at San Francisco International, discussions are already on the schedule.

Despite the hustle, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) says Tesla lacks the “Drivered Pilot AV” permit, essential for autonomous services, even with a driver in tow. Tesla’s holding a TCP (Transportation Charter Party) permit for now.

Waymo’s Head Start

Waymo’s been mapping out strategies way before Tesla. This March, they secured a permit to plot San Francisco International’s roadways. Talks are ongoing, according to SFO rep Francis Tsang—there’s no rush, but progress is being made.

Table: Airport Permit Status

In the hustle and bustle of airport commutes, securing these permits is no small feat. While Waymo leads the charge in autonomy, Tesla’s persistent push signals they’re not backing down. Who will dominate the runway? Only time will tell.