New and emerging electric aviation has the potential to reshape how people and goods travel in regional NSW.
Emergency medical supplies, urgent freight and even passengers could soon be transported by state-of-the-art electric aircraft. Electric planes and drones could make transport cheaper, cleaner and more convenient than ever before.
They could open new routes for passengers,connect communities and increase freight efficiency.
Transport for NSW wants to facilitate the step change to electric aviation. Our vision is to ensure this new technology is fully integrated into a multi-modal network that benefits passengers. The electric aviation brochure outlines our vision for aviation growth and development in regional NSW.
The electric aviation sector must grow in a manner that is safe, secure and considerate of the environment. It should enable economic activity, create new job opportunities and strengthen existing communities.
We are calling for input from businesses and industry leaders who would like to work with us to make this vision a reality.
The future of electric aviation
Electric Conventional Take-Off & Landing (eCTOL) have an expected range of 400-800km. eCTOL aircraft could be used for:
- longer-range regional trips
- small cargo deliveries
- passenger transfers from regional and rural airstrips.
Electric Vertical Take-Off & Landing (eVTOL) have a range of up to 100km, with potential for longer distances. Some eVTOLs offer onboard or remote pilots while others propose “self-driving” automated navigation.
eVTOLs could be used for:
- on-demand air taxis
- airport passenger transfers
- medical patient transfers
- cross-town trips
- sightseeing trips.
Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS), are popularly known as drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). These light aircraft enable:
- small package deliveries
- efficient transfer of medical supplies
- UAV’s are likely to be able to carry larger loads longer distances in the near future.
How your business can help
To unlock the potential of this new technology, NSW needs to start planning now. We want to understand and harness this technology now so that it can be ready for our customers in the near future.
Electric aviation trials will put NSW on the front foot. But we must also determine the role electric and emerging aviation technologies will play in the wider network and how the new technology will connect to traditional transport modes.
Transport for NSW has opened a market sounding process to seek your input. We want to understand how we can support industry to enable advanced aviation technologies which will unlock benefits for NSW communities.
We are looking for industry insights into a future electric aviation roadmap. We are also seeking emerging aviation proof of concept proposals for consideration.
To get involved please see further details on the eTendering page.
Online Industry Briefing
Transport for NSW will be hosting an online industry briefing between mid to late December 2022. At the briefing you will have the opportunity to hear from project leads, learn more information and ask valuable questions. We encourage you to register today.
More information
To find out more information on electric aviation and future transport strategies you can refer to the following sources: