Thales Australia and Underwood Innovation Labs have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Centre of Excellence in Queensland, Australia. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the development of cutting-edge drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies within the region. But what does this mean for Australia, and more specifically, for the future of air mobility?
The establishment of this centre signals Australia’s commitment to becoming a leader in the global drone and air mobility sector. With growing investments in innovation, this AAM Centre of Excellence will pave the way for high-tech job creation, safe testing environments for UAV systems, and a sustainable, collaborative ecosystem that could shape the future of transportation in Queensland.
What Is the Advanced Air Mobility Centre of Excellence?
The Advanced Air Mobility Centre of Excellence (AAM COE) will serve as a dedicated hub for the design, development, and testing of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and other UAV technologies. Located in Queensland, one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, the centre is poised to become a driving force in air mobility innovation.
The centre will offer businesses and organizations access to indoor, virtual, and physical airspace for the safe and controlled testing of drone systems. This environment aims to foster collaboration and scalability within the UAV ecosystem, encouraging innovation that can have a global impact.
The centre will not only benefit the private sector but also create a direct pathway to support Australia’s national priorities in aviation, as outlined in the Aviation White Paper. These priorities emphasize the importance of advanced air mobility in boosting the economy, enhancing transportation, and building the country’s technological capabilities.
High-Tech Jobs and Economic Growth in Queensland
Queensland is recognized as one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions, with its population expected to reach 5.4 million by 2041. With such rapid growth, the need for sustainable, innovative solutions is crucial. The AAM COE is set to provide high-skilled jobs in the emerging field of air mobility and UAV technology, contributing to the local and national economy.
This initiative will help Queensland stay ahead in advanced technology sectors, positioning the region as a key player in the global air mobility market. By developing skills in UAV operation, maintenance, and innovation, the AAM COE aims to nurture a future-ready workforce capable of supporting both domestic and international air mobility industries.
A Collaborative and Open Ecosystem
One of the standout features of this new centre is its collaborative, membership-based model. Supported by the Mayor of Logan City, Hon Jon Raven, the AAM COE will operate as an open ecosystem. This means that organizations, both large and small, can participate, share resources, and utilize state-of-the-art technologies to further their research and development in air mobility.
By fostering collaboration, the centre will act as an incubator for new ideas, allowing for the validation and scaling of drone-related innovations. The goal is to provide companies with the tools they need to test and refine their UAV solutions safely, ultimately helping these innovations reach the market faster.
Learning from a Successful European Model
The AAM COE in Queensland is modeled after a successful initiative in Paris, France, known as the Centre d’Excellence Drones Ile De France (CEDIF). CEDIF operates an approved 40-kilometer Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) airspace corridor, providing a controlled environment for the safe testing and validation of drone technologies.
Supported by major organizations such as Thales, Eurocontrol, and Systematic, CEDIF has become a benchmark for how drone technologies can be developed and industrialized on a large scale. The Queensland AAM COE aims to replicate this model, ensuring that it offers similar opportunities for growth and innovation in the southern hemisphere.
Queensland’s Strategic Position for Air Mobility
Queensland, with its booming population and position as a key economic hub, is uniquely suited to host the AAM COE. The state’s infrastructure, combined with its commitment to innovation, makes it an ideal location for developing advanced air mobility solutions.
By hosting the AAM COE, Queensland is not only investing in its future but also setting a precedent for how advanced technologies can shape modern transportation. The centre will act as a catalyst for both public and private sector advancements, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of the global air mobility industry.
« Thales is thrilled to be the initial founding partner in establishing the forthcoming innovation ecosystem centred on a Centre of Excellence for AAM in Queensland, alongside Underwood Innovation Lab and the City of Logan. Our shared commitment to trust, innovation, and results will unite innovators in addressing everyday challenges, integrating drones and other advanced air mobility systems safely into our daily routines, and contributing to the decarbonization of the future aviation industry. » – Bobby Pavlickovski, Head of Uncrewed Services, Thales Australia.
“Underwood Innovation Lab is delighted to be partnering with Thales Australia to establish and deliver this catalytic project for Queensland which will propel the Advanced Air Mobility sector in the State and ultimately Nationally. As a first in kind, local government backed innovation Lab this project aligns well with the UiLab mission to positively impact the Australian innovation ecosystem through strategic global partnerships and transformative projects such as this that will create high-value jobs, attract further investment, and ultimately improve National productivity.” – Dr Paul Mathiesen (UiLab Chief Innovation Officer).
A Bright Future for Australian Air Mobility
The collaboration between Thales Australia and Underwood Innovation Labs signals an exciting new chapter for air mobility in Queensland and across Australia. As the AAM COE takes shape, it promises to unlock countless opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic growth, all while positioning Australia as a leader in the global air mobility industry.
By bringing together the best minds in UAV technology, the AAM COE will drive forward-thinking solutions that can have a real, positive impact on society. Whether it’s creating more efficient transportation systems, enhancing emergency response capabilities, or simply making the skies safer, the potential is limitless.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on the future of air mobility in Australia? How do you think this new centre could impact the way we use drones and other UAV technologies? We’d love to hear your views. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below!
