On 17 February 2023, Toll Group finalised the acquisition of Air Support Queensland Pty Ltd (ASQ), a leading Australian uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) flight operations and training provider.
Together with its existing aviation business, Toll will deliver both standalone and integrated rotary and uncrewed operations and training, in support of Defence, aeromedical, search and rescue, airborne law enforcement, resource and utility aviation sectors.
ASQ, trading historically as Advanced Aerial Solutions (AAS) and UAV Training Australia, has extensive experience with complex UAS operations, a growing fleet of sophisticated UAS platforms, and well-exercised CASA-certified training approvals.
Wayne Condon, Head of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot (Uncrewed Systems) built and led ASQ since 2012, with a desire to challenge the industry by providing a clear and accountable pathway for the next generation of pilots.
With a long and awarded history in training, aviation and the military, he is arguably one of Australia’s most experienced UAS pilots and managers, with over 30 years of aviation experience, including flight hours logged in both fixed wing and UAS. He has been at the forefront of specialised aviation projects in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector and participates on key advisory panels including the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Executive Training Advisory Group for the Queensland Government.
ASQ is an early technology adopter and data capture specialist, allowing them to push the boundaries of what is safely possible in the industry. With a rich history working with notable organisations such as Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Department of Defence and HQ Plantations, AAS and UAV Training Australia are leaders in their operational and training fields respectively.
They have been providing high quality commercial UAS licence and VET training for more than a decade, specialising in advanced training for civil, emergency services, law enforcement and Defence customers.
With a brand-agnostic approach to UAS platforms, they ensure the optimal air vehicle and payload combination is operated to best satisfy the client requirement. Recently, ASQ conducted ab-initio UAS training and qualifications for Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Pilots and Flight Engineers along with aerospace scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG), in preparation for operating complex UAS.
Toll Helicopters currently operates the Aeromedical Rescue Helicopter Service for the NSW and ACT Ambulance Services and supports the Army Aviation Training Centre, and the 1st and 5th Aviation Regiments. ASQ’s training and operational capabilities will be integrated immediately into the current rotary and fixed wing business. The opportunity to extend Toll’s strategic partnership with the aeromedical service is a priority, with a commitment made to understand clearly where uncrewed systems can improve patient outcomes or enhance the safety of Special Casualty Access Team and Special Operations Teams during complex primary retrievals.
Colin Gunn, General Manager Toll Helicopters said, “We are very excited to have initiated this integrated capability and look forward with great anticipation to supporting existing and future clients with UAS training, governance and operational support. ASQ’s expertise and capabilities are key to Toll achieving our strategic objective to become the pre-eminent provider of more complex and higher-end UAS operations and training in Australia and the region.”
With extensive military backgrounds and solid commercial experience, both Colin and Wayne share a valuable perspective on military and civil aviation operations and are well placed to lead and grow this hybrid capability.
The acquisition will strengthen Toll’s current offerings and provide an opportunity to integrate these emerging technologies in an innovative manner. ASQ’s industry expertise and leadership, combined with Toll Helicopters industry-leading safety management system, will create a hybrid capability that can optimise client safety, crewed and uncrewed aviation capabilities and value for money.