Thales OneSKY offices open in Melbourne

Thales has opened its Australian World Trade Centre offices in Melbourne, as part of the OneSKY project.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the offices, which have undergone a $12 million redevelopment, will be home to the OneSKY project team developing the common civil military air traffic management system for the Department of Defence and Airservices Australia.

“This facility will be used to develop the most advanced and integrated air traffic control system in the world,” he said.

“The system will manage forecasted growth of air traffic movement in Australia, by as much as 60% by 2030, minimising delays for the travelling public.

“Under OneSKY, Australia will be better able to handle forecast air traffic growth, which will reduce congestion and open up more efficient air routes to reduce flight times and fuel costs.”

Defence Minister Christopher Pyne said that OneSKY is a world first and has been developed in Australia by Australians.

“The OneSKY project will transform Australia’s air traffic management system and national infrastructure in the sky, ensuring the travelling public arrive at their destination safely and with minimal delays,” he said.

“This office will support up to 550 specialist high-tech jobs in Melbourne across the land and air traffic management businesses, building Australian skills in complex project management, systems engineering and software development.

“A further 200 Australian job opportunities are expected in the Australian supply chain. In fact, around 75% of the OneSKY acquisition cost and 95% of the ongoing annual support costs will be to Australian companies.

“These jobs will contribute to the development of an integrated system that will manage more than 11% of global airspace and some of the world’s busiest air routes.

“This project will replace the ageing military air traffic management systems and is essential to ensuring our Defence Forces can continue to operate seamlessly in Australia’s airspace.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/potowizard

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