Working collaboratively to co-design the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) will be the focus of a new partnership between Latrobe City Council and Swinburne University of Technology.
The partnership, announced on Wednesday, will explore how advanced air mobility can be established at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct to drive economic growth in the region, Council said in a statement.
Researchers from Swinburne’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub) will work with Latrobe City Council, local research and industry partners, and certification organisations such as CASA, to pioneer new technologies in AAM for the region and develop green aviation solutions to address real-world problems.
Mayor, Kellie O’Callaghan said Latrobe City Council and Swinburne have a shared vision to position and develop Victoria as a national and global leader of advanced air mobility, creating innovative new economic, social and environmental opportunities for Australia.
“Advanced air mobility is at the forefront of innovation. Through this collaborative arrangement, with one of Australia’s leading education and research institutions in Swinburne University of Technology, we can create a pathway to design the new technologies of the future in the Latrobe City region,” the Mayor said.
“As our region transitions from the traditional industries that have underpinned our economy, we need to look towards new industry and be innovative in our thinking of what the jobs of the future look like.
“The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct presents an opportunity to position Latrobe Regional Airport at the forefront of the emerging aviation sector.”
She said the partnership supports future economic growth through the creation of new industry as the local economy transitions from a reliance on energy and manufacturing industries.
The Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is located at Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell. The partnership is set to re-energise the established capabilities, facilities, and space to enable advanced air mobility technologies and craft.
“Advanced air mobility represents a massive economic, environmental and quality-of-life opportunity for Australia, especially in regional areas,” said Director of Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research Hub (AIR Hub), Dr Adriano Di Pietro.
“We are excited to be partnering with a forward-thinking community like Latrobe City and focusing on a community-led approach to people and technology with the Council.
“Utilising the world-leading expertise of AIR Hub, this partnership will see the Latrobe City community become active partners in the creation of a new sustainable future for aviation and advanced air mobility, delivering real social benefits as well as creating jobs, building capability and driving economic growth.”
Swinburne’s AIR Hub is one of Australia’s largest and most active industry-research collaborations, driving the future of air mobility and developing the next generation of aerostructures in Australia.
