Airservices Australia in a Linkedin post has requested feedback on a proposed pricing model for access to the air navigation service provider’s Flight Information Management System (FIMS). Consultation closes on 11:59PM, Sunday 27 September 2026 (AEST).
Airservices Australia is asking for feedback from UAS Service Suppliers (USSs), commercial drone operators, recreational drone users, industry associations, technology providers and “other stakeholders with an interest in the future management of drone operations.”
“The FIMS is a new digital platform that will support the safe and efficient integration of drones into Australian airspace,” says Airservices Australia. “USSs use FIMS to deliver services and information to drone operators through their own applications and platforms. Through these applications, drone operators can access airspace information and, where permitted, obtain operational approvals more efficiently. Airservices will provide FIMS services directly to approved USSs. Drone operators will access the FIMS services through their chosen approved USS rather than directly through Airservices.
The proposed pricing model includes:
| Component | Proposed introductory price |
| Annual access fee | AUD10,000 per year |
| Per flight authorisation (within 3nm of a civil controlled aerodrome) | AUD15 per-flight authorisation for the first two years, increasing to AUD20 thereafter for operations within three nautical miles of a civil controlled aerodrome |
| Additional FIMS services will be rolled out over time and may attract a fee for USSs to access |
“The proposal does not introduce fees from Airservices for recreational drone and model aircraft operations but applies to approved USSs that connect directly to FIMS and is focused on supporting commercial and higher-complexity drone operations,” says the company.” USS providers will determine their own costs to access their products and services. Airservices does not administer or determine how USSs set prices for their own products and services. Commercial drone operators will access FIMS services through their chosen approved USS. The USSs will determine how any FIMS-related costs are reflected in their pricing models.
“The introduction of FIMS is expected to reduce reliance on manual processes and support more efficient access to airspace information and faster airspace approvals.
Eligible operators may continue to submit applications for airspace authorisations through CASA’s manual application process. During the Automated Airspace Authorisation (AAA) trial, eligible operators can also obtain authorisations through a participating Drone Safety App at the existing 10 participating airports.
“Airservices will separately publish information outlining the technical requirements and assessment criteria for becoming a USS. New onboarding opportunities will commence with a priority onboarding round for existing Drone Safety Applications (DSAs) that wish to become USS, with further progressive onboarding as part of our commitment to expanding access to FIMS. Any person or entity, including a drone operator, may choose to become a USS and connect to FIMS, provided they can meet the applicable technical, operational and assurance requirements.”
For more information
https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/fims-pricing-consultation
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