About
Drones and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management
Airspace is being transformed at a rapid rate by the emergence of new technologies that will allow products, services and aid to reach people and places faster. We're seeing astonishing growth in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) use in industries such as mining, farming and emergency services, with new applications for the technology appearing every day. This transformation requires us to develop innovative solutions to ensure our skies remain safe for traditional aircraft, new airspace users and the community.
Growth in the market
60 million drone flights by 2043
Over the last five years, we have seen a significant maturing of the drone industry in Australia and globally. Advancement of technologies and ingenuity of use cases is driving greater adoption of drone use across Australia.
Airservices Australia commissioned Scyne Advisory to analyse growth of the drone and advanced air mobility market (including air taxis) in Australia to inform Airservices’ delivery of capabilities that will underpin Australia’s uncrewed aircraft systems traffic management (UTM) ecosystem – including the Flight Information Management System (FIMS).
The report predicts that commercial drone flights will increase by an average of 20% per annum over the next 20 years – culminating in 60 million flights in 2043.
The growth in flights will be driven primarily by the transport and logistics industry – around 50 million flights (77% of total flights in 2043). It is estimated that the current number of drone flights last year were around 1.5 million.
Growth will be focused in densely populated areas, driving the need for an operational UTM to maintain safe and equitable access to shared airspace.
Now is the time for collaboration across government and industry to develop, test and introduce the right regulatory frameworks and operational systems to foster continued safe growth of the market in increasingly busy airspace.
Innovation
Uncrewed services
We're developing a suite of new services for UAS operators to access airspace safely and efficiently.
Flight Information Management System (FIMS)
Through FIMS, we will provide the backbone to the UTM ecosystem, allowing access for approved third party suppliers to connect to our systems.
UAS geospatial data
We're delivering data sets that are of real value to UAS operators by tailoring and enhancing our data to match their evolving needs.
UAS surveillance
Building on our existing drone detection system, we are enhancing our capabilities by using multiple sensor types to detect UAS around airports to help safely manage airspace.
USAN
Uncrewed Services Advisory Network
The Uncrewed Services Advisory Network (USAN) will provide Airservices with informed, objective high-level advice from the aviation community on current and emerging challenges and opportunities which may have implications for Airservices’ in its delivery of services to uncrewed and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) customers.
Evolving the industry
Flight Information Management System (FIMS)
Digital and future ready
Airservices is investing to deliver first-of-its kind, digital and automated capabilities to prepare our skies for the safe and sustainable integration of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS).
FIMS will transform how drones, air taxis, and other uncrewed aircraft access Australia's airspace.
Safer, equitable and faster access to airspace
FIMS will be a central component of Australia’s UAS Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem, critical to maintaining safe, equitable and fast access to increasingly congested airspace. Delivered by Airservices on behalf of the Australian Government, FIMS will facilitate the exchange of important information to airspace users and will be critical to supporting the safe growth of the industry as the number of uncrewed operators is set to soar.
We have partnered with Frequentis Australasia to develop this world-leading, digital air traffic management system and meet the needs of Australian airspace users. FIMS services will be accessed through approved third party UAS Service Suppliers (USS), ensuring safe and sustainable growth of the uncrewed aviation industry.
FIMS is expected to be operational in November 2025.
Benefits
Faster flight authorisations – at all civil airports
- FIMS will be digital and automated from day one, providing fast and easy authorisations for access to airspace within 3NM of civil controlled aerodromes.
- FIMS will reduce processing times and provide you with authorisation to fly in a matter of minutes. It will be available for all civil aerodromes across Australia, at which air traffic control services are provided.
Timely data access
- Through your UAS Service Suppliers, seamlessly access aeronautical information across Australia, tailored specifically for uncrewed operators. , FIMS delivers an easy-to-use machine readable format, ensuring critical data is at your fingertips.
Strategic flight co-ordination
- FIMS allows you to submit flight details voluntarily, enhancing situational awareness and providing key information on operations in your chosen area. USS will have the ability to display known UAS activity nearby and provide strategic flight coordination.
Evolving the industry
FIMS prototype
We engaged with world-leading, innovative organisations that each developed a FIMS prototype aligned to our outcomes-based requirements.
In October and November 2022, we conducted in-field trials of each FIMS prototype, testing real-world capabilities that will support thriving UAS operations in Australia.
The FIMS Prototype work has enabled Airservices to build a deep understanding of the innovative capabilities we will provide in our FIMS.
For information on current drone safety rules please visit CASA’s Know Your Drone website.
Work with us
Airservices is at the forefront of Australian aviation. We are uniquely connected to all parts of the industry and offer exciting and innovative work across a range of operational and corporate roles.
Career paths on offer at Airservices include
Air Traffic Control, Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting, information technology, corporate support and more.