Airservices Australia, the state agency providing safe, secure, and efficient operational support to members of the nation’s aviation industry, has chosen four companies to compete in the creation of prototype flight information management systems (FIMS) to integrate drones and next-generation craft into the country’s airspace.
Australia has jumped to the head of nations developing amateur, public service, and enterprise use of drones, and has been equally active in preparing for future urban air mobility (UAM) services like air taxis. To facilitate that multiplying movement in the skies, Airservices Australia has asked the quartet of companies to propose an FIMS as the nucleus of an air traffic system linking controllers, traditional aircraft, and newer airspace vehicles like drones.
Given the fast pace of development and enormous financial stakes in looming drone services, Australian authorities are keen to have an FIMS selected, put into place, fully…
