Advanced digital solutions sought for drone operations

Airservices Australia is calling on innovative drone technology companies to help shape the future of aviation by delivering advanced digital solutions to drone operators to enhance safety, make it easier to access airspace, and foster industry growth. 

Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Service Suppliers (USS) are invited to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) to collaborate with Airservices Australia in advancing digital platforms for the next generation of drone operations. 

With the launch of its Flight Information Management System (FIMS) in late 2025, Airservices Australia is looking to work cooperatively with USS to solve challenges and harness opportunities to create a sustainable, open market Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem in Australia. 

As the trusted provider of services for both crewed and uncrewed aviation, Airservices Australia is playing a pivotal role in supporting USS developers. These partnerships will help pave the way for the front-end technologies for UTM services to seamlessly integrate with FIMS, providing tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of drone operators. 

Airservices Australia Head of Transformation, Uncrewed Services Integration, Luke Gumley said these innovative USS software solutions will ensure the safe growth of the burgeoning drone industry. 

“Working with UAS service suppliers in industry to embed new technologies and capabilities is a game changer for aviation in Australia,” Luke said. 

“Our support to the first cohort of USS will see us working collaboratively across government and industry, to help USS integrate and connect to FIMS, so they can innovate and deliver tailored services to drone operators.”  

Recent analysis commissioned by Airservices predicts that drone and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) flights in Australia will surge from around 1.5 million currently to more than 60 million by 2043. 

In partnership with Frequentis Australasia, Airservices Australia is developing FIMS as the backbone to the UTM ecosystem to safely, reliably and efficiently integrate drones, air taxis and other uncrewed aircraft into Australia’s busy airspace.  

For information on Airservices’  work to support Australia’s UTM ecosystem visit our website. For information about the RFP, which closes at 2pm AEDT on 6th December 2024 visit AusTender.