Australian government awards Dovetail $2.1m R&D contract

Dovetail Electric Aviation has been awarded a A$3m ($2.1m) research grant by the Australian Government to support the development of electric aviation technology. 

The electric aviation start-up is one of 19 firms to receive funding under the Industry and Science Department’s programme. The grant is an industry-led research collaboration project working with UNSW and CSIRO as well as industry partners, Sydney Seaplanes and Memko, to develop, flight test, and certify the conversion to electric propulsion of a turboprop aircraft.

The Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic said: “Electric aviation has the potential to be a game-changer for regional transport as Australia pushes to meet our emissions targets. This is a testament to the company’s dedication in driving innovation in the electric aviation industry and demonstrates the Australian government’s commitment to this burgeoning aviation sector.”

Dovetails CEO, David Doral added: “We are honoured to be selected as one of the recipients of this highly competitive grant. This funding will allow us to continue to push the boundaries of electric aviation and bring our vision of a more sustainable future for the industry closer to reality.”

Regional airports keep remote communities connected to the capital cities. Some domestic airlines believe the conversion of small aircraft to nil-emissions electric propulsion will reduce operating costs by 40%.

Rachael Barritt, Business Operations Executive, Asia Pacific, Dovetail Electric Aviation said: “Working with both research and industry on this electric aviation project is an incredible opportunity for Dovetail Electric Aviation. Being at the forefront of this transformative technology in Australia is a privilege. We are thrilled to be a part of this historic moment for the Australian aviation industry.”