Advanced air mobility technologies and achieving Net Zero 2050

Australia’s aviation sector needs new technologies to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and to address structural inefficiencies in regional air transport. Significant cost savings and emissions reductions are offered by electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft in the form of traditional aircraft converted to use electric or hydrogen power, electric vertical (or conventional) take-off and landing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, and drones  capable of operating freight and logistics missions.

These technologies can replace conventional regional aircraft and capture some land-transport journeys, particularly for routes currently underserved due to high operating costs.

This project will assess the sector for the potential application of zero-emissions aviation technologies, initially looking at regional Victoria before moving to a national analysis.

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Participants

• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
• RDA Melbourne / Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
• RMIT University

Project background

Lower operating costs using electric- and/or hydrogen-powered aircraft could enable new operators to enter Australian markets and make previously unviable routes commercially attractive. In line with the Victorian Economic Growth Statement’s priority to “reach every community”, this would address the current cost limitations and inefficient multi-stop routings through major city hubs that regional air services currently face along with intra-regional travel that conventional aviation models don’t service.

More broadly, zero emissions aviation technologies may serve metro-regional and intra-regional markets and replace some conventional aircraft and land transport services.

Analysis and research are required to identify metro-regional and intra-regional routes where zero emissions aviation technologies, such as electric or hydrogen powered aircraft, electric vertical (or conventional) take-off and landing AAM aircraft or drones capable of uplifting freight could replace existing transport modes.

This market-demand analysis will support decisions by operators about launching services, highlight requirements for new infrastructure (e.g. hydrogen refuelling or electric charging facilities and take-off/landing sites), and inform governments about the need for suitable regulatory measures and support through other economic-development initiatives.

To complement the market-demand analysis, other deliverables will focus on:

• case studies to highlight key route opportunities;
• types and timing of passenger and freight demand;
• potential market value and growth forecasts; and
• market conditions that would improve the profitability of services provided with zero emissions aviation technologies.

This research will remain aircraft technology-agnostic. However, it will highlight routes where the introduction of AAM and Zero-Emissions Aviation Technology may be economically feasible.

Project objectives

The objective of this project is to provide a robust evidence base on the demand and market value of air and ground transport services that could be replaced with services provided by AAM and zero emissions aviation technologies.

The specific objectives are to:

1. Conduct a market analysis of current metro-regional, intra-regional, and regional-remote movements of people and goods;
2. Estimate market value of services provided by zero-emissions aviation technologies that could replace existing transport services as well as create new demand; and
3. Assess commercial enablers for the adoption of zero-emissions aviation technologies.

Please note …

This page will be a living record of this project. As it matures, hits milestones, etc., we’ll continue to add information, links, images, interviews and more. Watch this space!