Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development and Minister for Defence - Joint Media Statement - Australia’s OneSky: the most advanced, integrated air traffic control system in the world

Australia’s new OneSky initiative will bring civil and military air traffic control together under one air traffic management system for the first time, improving aviation efficiency and safety.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss has announced that Airservices Australia, in partnership with the Department of Defence, will enter into an Advanced Work contracting arrangement with Thales Australia – the critical next step for delivering OneSky.

Making the announcement at the Australian International Airshow in Avalon, Victoria, today, Mr Truss said that the single, modernised system will enhance navigation and communication capabilities to allow Australia to keep on top of global changes in aircraft technology.

“This will unify Australian skies,” Mr Truss said.

“Once implemented, Airservices Australia and Defence will share technology and information, giving Australia the most advanced and integrated air traffic control system in the world.

“It will place us in a position to manage forecast growth of air traffic movement in Australia, of as much as 60 per cent by 2030, minimising delays for the travelling public.

“It will also ensure that Australian aviation remains at the forefront of technologically advanced air traffic management and safety, while optimising newer technologies on modern aircraft to drive greater efficiencies and seek opportunities to improve environmental outcomes.”

Minister for Defence Kevin Andrews said that a harmonised civil-military air traffic management system would help to streamline infrastructure and processes between military and civilian air traffic controllers.

“This program will make Australia the first country in the world to commission an integrated joint civil military air traffic management system,” Mr Andrews said.

“This will deliver safety and efficiency benefits, through shared access to common flight data. Controllers will also be able to better manage the various mix of air traffic and create a seamless flow of national and international air traffic.”

OneSky will be introduced via a phased transition from 2018 to 2021.

OneSky will replace the current civilian system, The Australian Advanced Air Traffic System, which was first developed and commissioned in the late 1990s.

The procurement of a single system takes advantage of a once-in-a-generation opportunity where both civil and military systems are due for renewal. The shared approach will realise combined savings of several hundred million dollars.

Media note:

Broadcast quality A/V material explaining OneSky for media use is available online at: https://vimeo.com/airservices/review/120647194/50a0ec3331

Media contacts:

Brett Heffernan (Mr Truss’ Office) 0467 650 020

Cristy Elliott (Mr Andrews’ Office) 0437 413 960