Jason's Experience
Strategies in Action
In these business stories, Jason shares some of the biggest challenges he has faced, reveals the strategies he adopted and reflects on what the outcomes were.
The Future of Airspace: How Innovation is Transforming Airspace Management
The Challenge
The rapid emergence of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS), such as drones and aerial taxis, fundamentally alters the dynamics of airspace management. Historically, airspace regulations were designed for a time when only manned aircraft, such as planes, gliders, and balloons, shared the skies. For example, airspace below 500 feet was seldom used, except during take-offs and landings.
In particular, the proliferation of drones in urban centres, is creating a new layer of complexity. Airspace once considered underutilised is becoming congested, demanding entirely new management strategies. The situation is further compounded by policy debates about governance, with tech giants already advocating for control of specific pieces of airspace for their 'last-mile delivery' services.
The challenge for my organisation, Airservices Australia: start the transformation of airspace management to integrate these emerging technologies while maintaining safety, efficiency, and cohesion.
Strategic Action
To address this multifaceted challenge, a strategic and forward-thinking approach was designed and implemented:
- Policy Influence: Collaboration with the government to input into the National Emerging Aviation Technologies (NEAT) Policy Statement, reaffirming Airservices' role as the custodian of Australian airspace. This policy provided a unified framework to manage both manned and uncrewed aerial systems, safeguarding operational safety while fostering innovation.
- Flight Information Management System: On the technical front, development of a Flight Information Management System was initiated - a cutting-edge platform capable of integrating drones and aerial taxis into the existing air traffic management system. Designed to handle hundreds of thousands of transactions per hour, the system ensures seamless operations as the volume of UAS, and conventional air traffic continues to grow.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Regulators, industry stakeholders, and technology providers collaborated to align on the scope and scale of the new system. Demonstrations of Flight Information Management System prototypes and ongoing collaboration-built confidence in the robustness of this transformative technology.
- Cultural Transformation: Shifting internal mindsets was equally critical. To do this, the transformation was positioned as a foundational shift for the organisation’s future, rather than an optional enhancement. Leading from the front was vital - keeping my executive aligned as well as securing support from the board would embed the vision into the culture.
Results and Impact
These strategic actions positioned Airservices as a global leader in airspace management innovation:
- Reaffirmed Leadership: The NEAT Policy Statement cements Airservices' role as the custodian for managing both traditional and UAS airspace, ensuring safety and cohesion across this national resource.
- Flight Information Management System Development: The prototype was successfully developed with the production version going operational in 2025, marking a significant milestone in integrating emerging technologies into national airspace.
- Economic Growth: The NEAT Policy Statement is projected to contribute over AUD 14.5 billion to Australia’s GDP and create 5,500 jobs annually during the next 20 years, establishing a foundation for sustained sector growth.
- Enhanced Efficiency: By focusing on integrating manned and uncrewed systems, airspace management efficiency will significantly improve, enabling safer and more cohesive operations in increasingly complex environments.
- Future-Ready Airspace: This transformation shifts airspace management from segregation to integration, preparing Australia for future advancements in air mobility.
Universal Insights
The rapid evolution of UAS represents one of the most profound shifts in modern airspace management. No longer confined to traditional aviation, the skies are now shared with drones and aerial taxis, requiring a complete redefinition of regulatory and operational frameworks. The successful integration of these technologies is not just an industry challenge—it is a national imperative that ensures Australia remains at the forefront of aviation innovation.
Proactive Leadership in a Transforming Landscape: Proactively engaging with development of the NEAT Policy Statement prevented fragmented governance and created a clear regulatory framework balancing technological advancement with operational integrity.
Technology as the Backbone of Airspace Integration: Traditional air traffic management systems were never designed for the sheer volume and complexity of autonomous aerial operations. As the digital backbone for this new era, the Flight Information Management System was never treated as an upgrade, but rather a fundamental enabler of economic growth, efficiency, and safety.
Stakeholder Alignment - A Critical Success Factor: Transformational change in regulated industries cannot occur in isolation. Success came due to collaboration —ensuring that industry adoption was not only feasible but also scalable.
Cultural and Organisational Readiness: Technology and policy alone do not drive transformation—people do. Change, led by an aligned executive team was vital in getting people ready for the fundamental shift in airspace management and the knock on this would bring now and into the future.
Aviation’s Future - Integration, Not Segregation: The impact of strategic transformation extends beyond regulatory clarity and technological development—it can future-proof an industry sector.
Final Thoughts
Australia’s leadership in uncrewed aerial system integration sends a clear message: the future of aviation belongs to those who innovate with both foresight and responsibility. Through strategic policy influence, technological breakthroughs, and cultural transformation, Australia has positioned itself as a benchmark for airspace management in the digital era—one that ensures efficiency, sustainability, and long-term competitiveness.
