Advanced air mobility (AAM) industry collaboration platform Greenbird this week added Australia’s Griffith University as a founding “ecosystem partner.” The university joins the platform alongside recently announced industry experts—Skyports, Nautilus Aviation, Aviator Group, and Aviation Projects. Greenbird announced the addition UK-based air taxi infrastructure provider Skyports on March 3.
Led by airport and aviation industry advisors Avistra, Queensland-based Greenbird brings together international expertise and knowledge and local supply chain partners to assist industry, research institutions, and government to drive investment, industry “operationalization,” and local capability. Other recent additions to the consortium include tourism flight operator Nautilus Aviation, Aviator Group, and Aviation Projects.
Griffith University’s aviation program offers world-class research centers and facilities focused on specialist areas including emerging technologies. Greenbird says the university’s priorities align closely with its own, focusing on a commitment to climate action and decarbonization of flight along with building a future in which AAM plays a significant role.
“Working as part of the Greenbird consortium represents an exciting opportunity for Griffith Aviation’s researchers, in being able to analyze future air transport developments,” said Griffith University Aviation Head Professor Tim Ryley. “We look forward to building AAM knowledge that will contribute to society for generations to come.”
Building an ecosystem-wide, industry-led collaboration, Greenbird aims to facilitate investment in Queensland’s AAM ecosystem and assist with the creation of certainty around government regulation and policy.
“Working alongside the academics and industry professionals in Australia’s most highly recognized university aviation unit is a credit to Greenbird, said Greenbird director Keith Tonkin. “The sheer weight of research capability at Griffith University is showcased through its significant in-house aviation experience and unrivaled depth of knowledge across the aviation sector.”
In early December, the Australian federal government and authorities in the state of Victoria agreed to jointly work on AAM development under the terms of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) calling for the acceleration of the launch of eVTOL aircraft and cargo drone services in the country.
The agreement builds on the A$35.7 million ($25.7 million) investment that the federal government has already committed through its National Emerging Aviation Technology Policy Statement. That commitment centers on prioritizing the development of services including passenger air taxi flights, as well as wider mobility needs for Australian communities.
