The Australian Future Airspace Framework (AFAF) helps Australia plan for the future of airspace.
It supports safe, efficient, and equitable access to airspace for current and future airspace users and technologies.
Why we need the framework
Aviation is changing rapidly and regulatory actions need to adjust accordingly. Current and emerging technologies that continue to evolve and need to be considered include:
- drones and remotely piloted aircraft
- advanced Air Mobility including vertical and short take-off and landing capable aircraft
- rocketry and high-altitude operations including supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
The AFAF helps ensure Australian-administered airspace can continue to safely support both existing and future airspace users.
How the framework works
The framework provides a consistent way to:
- monitor how airspace is used
- identify any changes that may be required to the airspace, technologies, or regulations/policies and support their evaluation and implementation
- find when we may need to change airspace
- assess risks and likely operational impacts
- support airspace planning and decision making over time.
This helps us make targeted airspace changes that improve safety, efficiency and equitable accessibility.
Continuous improvement
The AFAF supports ongoing review and improvement of Australian-administered airspace as aviation activity, technology and operational needs continue to evolve.
As far as practicable, the framework will align with international aviation standards developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
More information
We will publish further updates and supporting documents for the AFAF as they become available.
Find out more about the AFAF technical working group.