AIR Pass accelerating success for aerospace innovation

The Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub’s AIR Pass program is designed to assist startup companies, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, to get their aerospace and aviation ventures in development. AIR Pass provides expert technical, prototyping, and financial assistance for up to six months for successful applicants.

AIR Pass is currently in its third and final round, having previously supported Australian aerospace ventures, including Dovetail Electric Aviation (Dovetail). Dovetail is an Australian startup developing and integrating electric powertrains for small turboprop powered general aviation aircraft. This technology is a key part of the aviation industry’s drive to decarbonise by 2050.

The AIR Pass project’s goal was to develop and demonstrate an aircraft Electric Power System (EPS) and suitable test bed infrastructure. A key deliverable was the installation of the EPS onto the test stand infrastructure and testing of the EPS prior to the 2023 Avalon Airshow, a major commercial and media event in the Australian aerospace industry.

AIR Hub collaboration key to commercial success

The successful commercial demonstration was a key business milestone for the company, proving Dovetail’s commitment and ability to work with partners to deliver its technology roadmap for investors. As a result of hitting this aggressive milestone and demonstrating significant technical progression, Dovetail has been able to raise additional capital and progress its technical program.

“Achieving the EPS test prior to the airshow was an essential part of Dovetail’s development and commercial strategy, and the support from the AIR Pass program was instrumental in achieving this. It required a huge effort from both teams to achieve this goal, but through collaboration with the AIR Hub we were able to reach a major goal we would not otherwise have been able to,” said David Doral, Founder and CEO of Dovetail.