Victorians will get a glimpse into the future of flying at the Australian International Airshow this week, with cutting-edge electric aircraft, aerial taxis and cargo drones part of an Andrews Labor Government display.

Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Pallas today launched the Government’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) hub at the Avalon Airport spectacular, showcasing the latest zero-emission aircraft that promise quiet, quick and cost-effective options for moving freight and people – and the prospect of major industry and jobs opportunities.

The Australian International Airshow is the biggest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and after trade days this week, tens of thousands of Victorians and interstate and international visitors will flow through the gates for three days from 9am Friday.

The AAM display hub provides an opportunity for Airshow visitors to get up close to next-generation technology that holds enormous potential to drive local jobs and reduce emissions.

AAM and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology is developing quickly and is already employed in logistics and fields as diverse as agriculture, natural resource management, search and rescue and construction. Victorian companies are leading the way in advancing the technology.

Port Melbourne-based Swoop Aero manufactures sophisticated drones using 3D printers – these craft have delivered more than 1.3 million medical items in Australia, Asia, Europe and Africa.

Clayton-based Kite Magnetics, spun out of Monash University, has released the world’s most powerful air-cooled 120kW electric motor for electric aircraft. The lightweight electric motor is more powerful than a typical small car but weighs only as much as a full suitcase.

A report by Deloitte Access Economics found the introduction of an AAM sector could increase Victoria’s gross state product by $2.8 billion over the next 20 years and create 1,300 jobs annually.

The Labor Government last year released Victoria’s AAM Industry Vision Statement. Victoria is also a signatory along with the Commonwealth Government and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on fostering the development of the AAM sector.

The Andrews Labor Government is a major sponsor of the Australian International Airshow, which runs from Friday, 3 March to Sunday, 5 March. Entry at Avalon is free for children aged 15 and under.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Pallas

“Victoria is the innovation state and we’ve identified Advanced Air Mobility as an area of great opportunity – for jobs and industry as well as for zero-emissions transport and travel.”

“Businesses like Swoop Aero and Kite Magnetics are showing the way in Victoria and we’ll work with the community and the Commonwealth to develop a safe, reliable and sustainable industry.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara Ella George

“This event is a major feather in Victoria’s cap – and it provides a fantastic boost to Geelong’s economy.”