An Australian-first electric aircraft development centre will be established in Gippsland as the Allan Labor Government backs our local aviation and clean energy sectors to create highly skilled jobs and decarbonise aviation.

The Government today officially opened Dovetail Electric Aviation’s Development Centre in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, in the Latrobe Regional Airport.

Creating about 90-highly skilled new jobs in Victoria over the next five years, Dovetail will retrofit regional aircraft with batteries and hydrogen propulsion, enabling zero-emission Flights which will lessen the environmental impact of air travel and boost the local clean energy sector.

Dovetail’s Development Centre will advance local aviation capabilities to transition to clean energy, accelerating Victoria’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

To reduce the carbon footprint of regional air transport, Dovetail will convert traditional turbine-powered aircraft into electric power by incorporating cutting-edge battery technologies and hydrogen fuel cells. Dovetail’s new centre will include research and development and potential flight testing.

Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is a flexible use Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) launchpad which enables AAM supply chain companies, from startup to established global companies, to prove and develop their innovations in Victoria.

This investment will also support growth in regional freight, tourism and service delivery, connecting with supply chain networks across the state and highlighting Victoria as a leader in sustainable regional aviation.

A Deloitte Access Economics report found the 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 Victorian Government’s AAM Industry Vision Statement outlines a plan to develop industries like clean aviation, renewables, advanced manufacturing and digital technology that will create jobs of the future and drive sustainable economic growth.

Quote attributable to Minister for Economic Growth Tim Pallas

“Securing Dovetail Electric Aviation’s footprint in the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is another win for AAM in Victoria and our clean energy economy – it will make a valuable contribution to our state’s research and development sector.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins 

“We’re backing the clean energy sector and AAM supply chain to create more highly skilled jobs and training opportunities as we lead the nation in decarbonising aviation.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing 

“We are really pleased to support Dovetail Electric Aviation’s new centre in the Latrobe Valley, which will deliver world-leading innovations for the aviation sector, create new jobs in regional Victoria and contribute to the state’s net-zero emissions goal.”

Quote attributable to Dovetail Electric Aviation CEO David Doral

“We are honoured to receive the support of the Victorian Government which will enable Dovetail to accelerate our R&D efforts, bringing us closer to our vision of a sustainable, efficient, and accessible aviation future.”

Quote attributable to Latrobe City Council Mayor Darren Howe

“Latrobe City Council is excited to partner with the Victorian Government and Dovetail Electric Aviation We welcome the collaboration with existing and emerging technologies in AAM as we establish new industry and investment.”