Electric aircraft distributor FlyOnE has partnered with the Advanced Air Mobility Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) to spearhead the expansion of electric air transport in Australia.

CRC partners in round 24 received $82.5 million in grant funding, and round 25 is set to be as successful.

FlyOnE has developed supply chains for existing electric aircraft such as the Pipistrel Electro, and is negotiating future supply chains for emerging commercially viable aircraft such as the 750km range Electron 5, of which it has ordered 28 units. As an operator of the Lilypad Elevate network, it plans to connect over 25 regional airports in Western Australia, and create 30+ point-to-point connected routes with electric aviation charge nodes at each location. The first publicly available charge node is operating at the Northern Apron of Jandakot airport.

FlyOnE has also achieved certification for multiple electric aircraft models for reward/hire and commercial operations. Based on current projects and future launches, it expects to have certified six individual electric aircraft designs for operations in Australia with CASA and other governing bodies before the end of the decade.

By bringing together technology developers from around the world it is positioned to produce and manufacture its own light sport fixed wing electric aircraft, currently in development.

FlyOnE is also a booking agent and finance provider, acting on behalf of new cadets to assist with cadet finance packages and bookings with flight training organisations using FlyOnE-owned aircraft.

CEO Korum E says: "We are thrilled to align with the Advanced Air Mobility CRC to advance the development of electric air transport in Australia. This collaboration will not only benefit the aviation industry, lower air transport costs and raise customer experience for the average Australian, but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future for our country."

Over a 10 year, whole-of-industry uplift, the AAM CRC will support timely, long-term advancements in air vehicles, air operations and ground operations, covering the ground-to-sky challenge of introducing advanced air mobility as well as developing sovereign industry capabilities to supply AAM products and services for Australia and export. Growing the sector with a focus on digitalisation, materials and manufacturing, sustainability, and testing and flight trials, the AAM CRC will utilise the AAM network and industry to close the country's vast distances and secure a sustainable and globally competitive air mobility future.

"The size and quality of the AAM CRC bid reflects the need for and opportunities within a dedicated cooperative research centre for the aviation and aerospace sector. A high level of collaboration is required to address the unique and varied challenges of our industry, and we believe that the AAM CRC will face these challenges head-on," adds AAM CRC interim CEO Dr Adriano Di Pietro.