Airservices Australia has selected four companies to begin prototyping Australia’s first Flight Information Management System (FIMS) which will support the safe and efficient integration of emerging airspace users, including drone operators and air taxis, into Australia’s low-altitude airspace.
FIMS will form the basis of an enhanced air traffic system that will enable Airservices to share flight information between air traffic control, traditional aircraft, and new airspace users – ensuring crewed and uncrewed flights can operate safely together in Australian airspace.
Australia is one of the fastest growing markets for drones, adopting new technologies to deliver products, services, and aid to people and places faster. As our low-altitude airspace becomes more complex, development of Australia’s first FIMS will ensure Airservices continues to ensure the safe and orderly flow of air traffic across our skies.
The four companies – ANRA Technologies, Altitude Angel, Frequentis Australasia and OneSky Systems – will participate in a competitive down-selection process to create a FIMS prototype tailored to the needs of Australia’s aviation industry, with in-field trials expected later this year.
“FIMS will facilitate the exchange of information between all stakeholders – air traffic control, traditional aircraft and drone operators – to enable the safest and most efficient use of mixed-traffic airspace.”
For example, emergency services could request temporary priority access for emergency aircraft to conduct a rescue operation. FIMS would automatically share updated air operations information with all crewed and uncrewed air vehicles operating in shared airspace.
The Australian Government’s National Emerging Aviation Technologies Policy Statement outlines Airservices role in developing and operating a FIMS enabling the safe introduction of new aviation technologies projected to deliver a $14.5 billion economic benefit over the next 20 years.
About Airservices
Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of 11% of the world’s airspace and the provision of aviation rescue fire fighting services at Australia’s busiest airports. We connect people with their world safely – linking family and friends, generating economic activity, creating jobs and facilitating trade and tourism.
For more information visit www.airservicesaustralia.com
About the Airservices Flight Information Management System
FIMS is the technology backbone, operated by Airservices, that provides a range of digital services to approved service suppliers who support drone operators and other new airspace users.
FIMS provides a core capability to access trusted data, digital rules, and operational requirements, designed with airspace safety in mind. FIMS links with Airservices’ existing air traffic management system to ensure crewed and uncrewed flights can operate safely together in Australian airspace.
FIMS is a central component of the Australian Government’s National Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) policy to enable Australian businesses and industries to adopt and integrate emerging aviation technologies.
