SYPAQ has been named as a finalist in the Australian Aviation Awards across four categories 11 July 2023

The Australian Aviation Awards is an exciting nationwide recognition program that showcases the outstanding individuals and businesses positively shaping the growth and development of Australia’s aviation industry.

Securing a place as a finalist is widely recognised as a remarkable achievement in the aviation industry. It signifies the resolute determination and steadfast commitment of individuals, teams, and businesses playing a pivotal role in propelling the industry forward.

Amanda Holt, CEO at SYPAQ, said the entire organisation is extremely proud to be named as a finalist in the Australian Aviation Awards 2023.

“SYPAQ’s commitment to the Aviation industry has been unwavering for more than 30 years, so to be recognised for these prestigious awards in such illustrious company is immensely humbling and satisfying.”

“Being shortlisted across four categories is phenomenal and testament to the many SYPAQ personnel who have helped to build a diverse, resilient, innovative and trusted organisation,” she added.

The categories we’ve been shortlisted for include the following three Group categories:

• Aerial Services Business of the Year for our aerial surveillance of critical infrastructure. We provide a nationwide surveillance service that monitors and protects national critical infrastructure reliably each month. Our unique blend of sovereign capabilities, military off-the-shelf technology, and innovative custom
  developments allow us to deliver actionable intelligence that drives innovation, technology development and real customer cost savings.

• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Business of the Year for our family of Corvo uncrewed autonomous systems, including CorvoX, our candidate for Australian Army Project Land 129 Phase 4B.

• Innovation of the Year for our Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System (PPDS) drone. The low-cost and expendable PPDS drones are designed for delivering supplies and equipment to locations that are difficult to reach using traditional logistics capabilities. The system has also been adapted for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, based on the feedback from the end-users in operational service.

Excitingly, the fourth category we’ve been shortlisted for is at the Individual level. Namely:

• Remotely Piloted Aircraft Professional of the Year  – Luke Aspinall. As our Chief Remote Pilot and Head of Flight Operations, Luke is responsible for maintaining a complex remotely piloted aircraft operator’s certificate and aviation safety management system, ensuring continuous improvement and oversight of complex operations and flight test programs to develop, improve, and deliver capabilities such as PPDS into service in Ukraine. Additionally, Luke volunteers with Disaster Relief Australia as a Senior Remote Pilot in the Aerial Damage Assessment capability (ADAT) to employ drones in support of disaster recovery efforts in significant disaster response across Australia.

Australian Aviation’s Adam Thorn said, “This year’s awards received a record number of entries, so all of our nominees should feel hugely proud to be shortlisted.

“The industry spent much of the last year grappling with the after-effects of COVID-19, including rising inflation and a talent shortage. It’s to their huge credit that our nominees have shown great initiative to navigate these difficult times and thrive.”

This national awards program – which culminates in the black-tie gala event in Sydney – will help forge closer connectivity in the sector and give greater visibility to the business of aviation in Australia.

The finalist list, announced on Tuesday, 11 July 2023, features over 145 high-achieving professionals across 28 submission-based categories.