We expect to see significant changes to the way we manage airspace in the future for:
- uncrewed aircraft system(UAS) traffic management (UTM) systems affecting future remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. The UTM ecosystem refers to the ecosystem of technologies, systems, and procedures to support the safe management of airspace occupied by uncrewed aircraft
- certain communications, navigation and surveillance (CNS) capabilities such as remote identification (Remote ID) and detect and avoid (DAA) technologies.
AFAF
Work has commenced on the development of the Australian Future Airspace Framework. This will provide an overarching framework to align and integrate all airspace users, including RPAS, AAM and high-altitude operations.
UTM systems
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sports and the Arts (the Department) released the UTM Action Plan in 2024. We are working with the Department and Airservices on activities outlined in the UTM Action Plan.
UTM will help enable the adoption of advanced RPAS operations such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and package delivery in Australia.
The UTM ecosystem, along with related emerging technologies, may in time allow integration of passenger carrying AAM vehicles. This will eventually lead to integration of all air traffic both crewed and uncrewed.
Remote ID
Remote ID technologies fitted to RPAS aircraft may help by:
- increasing situational awareness between RPAS and crewed aircraft
- supporting the management of noise, privacy, and environmental concerns
- gathering data to support developing future rules and policies.
The Department is leading this work – see its Remote ID webpage.
DAA technologies
DAA technologies fitted to uncrewed aircraft will help prevent collisions with objects or other aircraft. These technologies will be key in enabling advanced RPAS and AAM operations. DAA technologies are a supporting part of a UTM ecosystem.
We also expect other evolutionary changes to airspace management in the next decade. We will test and implement plans for these changes through our business-as-usual activities.
The 'Airspace and traffic management' regulatory area of the RPAS and AAM Roadmap outlines planned activities across timeframes.