Australia has taken significant steps forward in preparing for the future of urban aviation by joining international efforts to establish advanced air mobility (AAM) certification frameworks and opening consultation on vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) facilities at airports. These developments position Australia at the forefront of the global movement toward electric aircraft and urban air mobility solutions.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has published an updated regulatory roadmap for Advanced Air Mobility in Australia, outlining the nation’s approach to integrating electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and other AAM technologies into the existing aviation system. This roadmap represents extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and aligns with international best practices.
Australia’s AAM strategy follows a three-phase timeline extending to 2036. In the immediate term (2024-2026), CASA expects significant increases in remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) flights, driven by growing demand for goods delivery services and technological advances making these systems more efficient and affordable.
The near-term phase (2026-2030) will introduce the first commercial AAM applications, including passenger transport in urban areas. During this period, approval processes for small to medium RPAS will become clearer and more aligned with national and international regulations, helping pave the way for Australian-registered RPAS and AAM aircraft to begin international operations.
Infrastructure development represents a critical component of Australia’s AAM preparation. Skyportz, Australia’s leading vertiport infrastructure developer, has been selected to build the nation’s first vertiport in Melbourne by 2026. The company has identified over 400 property sites that have expressed interest in hosting vertiports across Australia, demonstrating significant private sector enthusiasm.
“The vertiport infrastructure is the missing piece of the puzzle for this industry,” said Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown. “Without new vertiport landing sites in places people want to go, the aircraft will never fulfil their potential.”
CASA has released comprehensive guidelines for vertiport construction, offering guidance on location selection, physical design, essential components, and obstacle limitation surfaces. These specifications were developed following extensive industry consultation and are designed to be flexible enough to evolve with the rapidly developing AAM industry.
The international dimension has gained momentum through participation in multinational certification initiatives. Wisk Aero, a leading autonomous eVTOL developer, has established operations in Australia to launch autonomous air taxi services in South East Queensland. Local innovation also plays a crucial role, with AMSL Aero working toward certification of its Vertiia vehicle.
Source: CASA AAM Strategic Roadmap
