iscover
Griffith University is the latest body to join the ranks of Greenbird, an industry collaboration platform focused on supporting the establishment of advanced air mobility (AAM) – or air taxis – in Australia, as a founding ecosystem partner.
According to a statement, Griffith University said its ideals align closely with those of Greenbird, including its commitment to climate action, and in turn, an interest in the decarbonisation of flight.
The Queensland-based university hopes to use its local knowledge to support the integration and use of air taxi systems in Australia ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, a key objective of Greenbird.
Greenbird was established last month by Aviation Projects director Keith Tonkin and AVISTRA managing director Sara Hales.
The platform will work collaboratively towards solidifying Australia’s Queensland-based AAM market by attracting investment into the sector and working with government and regulators to create safe air taxi operations.
Other local and global industry leaders, including Aviation Projects, Aviator Group, Nautilus Aviation and UK-based Skyports, have also jumped onboard the Greenbird project.
Griffith University’s Aviation head Professor Tim Ryley welcomed the announcement and is excited to join the collaboration on AAM with Greenbird.
“Working as part of the Greenbird consortium represents an exciting opportunity for Griffith Aviation’s researchers, in being able to analyse future air transport developments,” Professor Ryley said.
“We look forward to building AAM knowledge that will contribute to society for generations to come.”
Director of Greenbird Keith Tonkin said, “Working alongside the academics and industry professionals in Australia’s most highly recognised university aviation unit is a credit to Greenbird.
“The sheer weight of research capability at Griffith University is showcased through its significant in-house aviation experience and unrivalled depth of knowledge across the aviation sector.”
Earlier, as Greenbird announced its launch, the consortium said its work will be of particular importance ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, which provides a “unique opportunity” to drive investment and “demonstrate Australia’s and Queensland’s leadership within the aerospace and innovation sectors”.
Meanwhile, AVISTRA’s Hales said emerging aviation technologies offer capability over a wide range of missions, improvements in the cost of air transport and genuine progress towards the decarbonisation of air transport.
“We are launching an industry collaboration platform that will bring together international expertise, local industry participants and government to work together towards a vision where air mobility is for everyone, and it doesn’t cost the Earth,” she said.
Greenbird is currently in discussions with global aircraft manufacturers, vertiport providers, aircraft operators, and other stakeholders and looks forward to announcing new platform partners over the coming weeks.
