Air Hub to take off at Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct

Latrobe City Council is excited to announce the official launch of Swinburne University of Technology’s Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub’s newest location at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct, located at the Latrobe Regional Airport in Morwell.

Council held a launch event yesterday, in partnership with Swinburne, to officially announce the AIR Hub tenancy at the Precinct. Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe was joined by Swinburne Deputy Vice Chancellor Research, Karen Hapgood and AIR Hub Director Dr Adriano Di Pietro at the launch.

The AIR Hub is one of the largest and most active aerospace research collaborations in Australia and is supporting Victoria to become a global leader in aerospace technology. The AIR Hub is developing the next generation of aerostructures for use in civil aviation, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, uncrewed aerial systems, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and space.

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, said Council welcomes the partnership with Swinburne and looks forward to seeing what the AIR Hub will achieve.

“As outlined in Our Transition Plan, while our region transitions from traditional industries, Council is investing in emerging technologies such as AAM,” said the Mayor.

“Just one of the ways we are working towards this is by attracting investment to the Latrobe Aerospace and Technology Precinct. It’s exciting to see Council’s plans coming to life at the Airport, as it continues to grow, and we secure partnerships such as this one with Swinburne.”

“Swinburne is delighted to launch our AIR Hub’s tenancy at the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct. Our co-location with industry will deepen our contribution to the region’s AAM future, through research and innovation in next-gen aircraft and advanced aerostructure technologies,” Swinburne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Hapgood said.

“Swinburne is proud to be the first foundation member of the Latrobe Aerospace Technology Precinct at Latrobe Regional Airport.”

“The opening of the AIR Hub’s R&D and test facility at the Precinct is the next step in our collaborative journey with Latrobe City Council to develop an Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem in regional Victoria,” says Dr Adriano Di Pietro, Director of the AIR Hub.

“We’re pleased to be continuing our partnership with Council as the precincts’ founding R&D member and look forward to innovating in this fit-for-purpose location.”

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