Flight Information Management System (FIMS) Pricing Consultation 2026
Have your say
Airservices Australia is seeking feedback on a proposed pricing model for access to our Flight Information Management System (FIMS).
The FIMS is a new digital platform that will support the safe and efficient integration of drones into Australian airspace.
Consultation closes: 11:59PM, Sunday 27 September 2026 (AEST).
We want to hear from:
- Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) Service Suppliers (USSs)
- Commercial drone operators
- Recreational drone users
- Industry associations
- Technology providers
- Other stakeholders with an interest in the future management of drone operations
Your feedback will help shape the final pricing approach before it is implemented. Continue reading for a summary of the proposed FIMS pricing model. For extended information, refer to the downloadable Consultation Information document and FAQs located to the right of this page.
Once you have reviewed the information, continue to the end of this page to complete the consultation survey and have your say.
What is Airservices FIMS?
The FIMS is a digital platform that connects Airservices with approved USSs.
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.
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.
Figure 1 (below): FIMS Service Delivery Model
Why are we proposing charges?
Airservices has invested in the development of the FIMS to support sustainable growth of the Australian drone industry.
The proposed pricing approach is intended to:
- support the safe integration of drones into Australian airspace
- encourage early adoption of FIMS
- minimise barriers to market entry
- recover costs gradually over time
- provide a sustainable service for industry
Rather than recovering costs upfront, Airservices proposes to introduce pricing at a discounted level during the early years of operation while the market develops.
What is the proposed FIMS pricing model?
Airservices is proposing to charge approved USSs for access to the FIMS.
The proposed pricing model includes:
- An annual access fee
- A per-authorisation fee for certain higher-complexity operations, initially applying only to automated authorisations within 3 nautical miles (NM) of a civil controlled aerodrome
- Discounted introductory pricing during the early years of operation
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.
What does this mean for recreational drone and model aircraft operators?
This proposal does not introduce fees from Airservices for recreational drone and model aircraft operations.
The proposed pricing model applies to approved USSs that connect directly to FIMS and is focused on supporting commercial and higher-complexity drone operations.
While recreational drone and model aircraft operators are not the focus of the proposed pricing model, Airservices welcomes feedback from these operators as part of this consultation.
What does this mean for commercial drone operators?
Airservices is not proposing to charge commercial drone operators directly (those that hold a remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate, and those that operate excluded remotely piloted aircraft).
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.
What are the proposed prices for UAS Service Suppliers (USS)?
Airservices is proposing a two-part pricing model for USSs:
Component | Proposed introductory price |
Annual access fee | $10,000 per year |
Per-flight authorisation fee (within 3 NM of a civil controlled aerodrome). | $15 per-flight authorisation for the first two years, increasing to $20 thereafter for operations within 3 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.
Why are we consulting?
We recognise that the Australian drone industry is continuing to evolve.
We are seeking feedback on whether the proposed pricing model:
- is fair and proportionate
- supports industry growth and innovation
- provides value for users
- avoids unnecessary barriers to participation
- is sustainable over the longer term
The feedback received through this consultation will be considered before the pricing model is finalised.
What feedback are we seeking?
- Is the proposed pricing structure (annual access fee plus per-flight authorisation fee) appropriate?
- Is the proposed introductory pricing reasonable?
- Does the proposed model impact your willingness to adopt FIMS?
- Are there any unintended impacts on USS providers or drone operators?
- To what extent does future regulatory and policy uncertainty influence your willingness to adopt FIMS?
- Do you have any additional comments on the proposed FIMS pricing model?
