Victoria’s advanced air mobility, drone and electric aviation revolution is taking flight, with the opening of a Dovetail Electric Aviation Development Centre in regional Gippsland - an Australian-first.

Photo of Dovetail Electric Aviation announcement

Located at Latrobe Regional Airport, within the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, the Dovetail Electric Aviation’s Development Centre has been officially opened by the Victorian Government, demonstrating its long-term commitment to support the development of a local AAM, drone and electric aviation ecosystem.

Creating about 90-highly skilled new jobs in Victoria over the next five years, Dovetail will retrofit regional aircraft with batteries and hydrogen propulsion, enabling zero-emission Flights which will lessen the environmental impact of air travel and boost the local clean energy sector.

Dovetail’s Development Centre will advance local aviation capabilities to transition to clean energy, accelerating Victoria’s goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045.

To reduce the carbon footprint of regional air transport, Dovetail will convert traditional turbine-powered aircraft into electric power by incorporating cutting-edge battery technologies and hydrogen fuel cells. Dovetail’s new centre will include research and development and potential flight testing.

Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct is a flexible use Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) launchpad which enables AAM supply chain companies, from startup to established global companies, to prove and develop their innovations in Victoria.

This investment will also support growth in regional freight, tourism and service delivery, connecting with supply chain networks across the state and highlighting Victoria as a leader in sustainable regional aviation.

A Deloitte Access Economics report found the AAM sector could increase Victoria’s gross state product by $2.8 billion over the next 20 years and create 1,300 jobs annually.

The Victorian Government's AAM Industry Vision Statement outlines a plan to develop industries like clean aviation, renewables, advanced manufacturing and digital technology that will create jobs of the future and drive sustainable economic growth.

Learn about opportunities in Victoria’s Advanced Air Mobility sector