AVALON 2023: Latrobe City Council and Swinburne University of Technology collaborate on future of clean, green air mobility

Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation and Research Hub, or AIR Hub, will work collaboratively with Latrobe City Council to co-design the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The partnership, announced at Avalon 2023 by Latrobe City Council Mayor Ms Kellie O’Callaghan, will explore how AAM can be established at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct to drive economic growth in the region.

Researchers from the AIR Hub will work with Latrobe City Council, local research and industry partners, and certification organisations such as CASA, to pioneer new technologies in AAM for the region and develop green aviation solutions to address real-world problems. Swinburne’s AIR Hub is one of Australia’s largest and most active industry-research collaborations, driving the future of air mobility and developing the next generation of aerostructures in Australia.

Among the partners’ research goals is a direct comparison of the costs and benefits of battery and hydrogen-fuel cell power for Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS). AIR Hub has already begun converting a battery powered drone to hydrogen-fuel cell propulsion to enable back-to-back trials. The research will also examine the impact of issues such as Air Traffic Management (ATM), certification, refuelling/recharging and loading and unloading of cargo

“Advanced air mobility is at the forefront of innovation,” said Mayor O’Callaghan. “As our region transitions from the traditional industries that have underpinned our economy, we need to look towards new industry and be innovative in our thinking of what the jobs of the future look like.

“The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct presents an opportunity to position Latrobe Regional Airport at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector.”

Latrobe City Council and Swinburne have a shared vision to position and develop Victoria as a national and global leader in AAM, creating innovative new economic, social and environmental opportunities for Australia.

“Advanced air mobility represents a massive economic, environmental and quality-of-life opportunity for Australia, especially in regional areas,” said Dr Adriano Di Pietro, Director of AIR Hub. “Utilising the world-leading expertise of AIR Hub, this partnership will see the Latrobe City community become active partners in the creation of a new sustainable future for aviation and advanced air mobility, delivering real social benefits as well as creating jobs, building capability and driving economic growth.”

The partnership supports future economic growth through the creation of new industry as the local economy transitions from a reliance on energy and manufacturing industries.

The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is located at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. The partnership will re-energise the established capabilities, facilities, and space to enable advanced air mobility technologies and craft.